Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has heaped praise on Arsenal teammate Mesut Ozil for his part in the team's rise to the top of the Premier League.

The German set a new record for Premier League assists last month, having created chances in seven consecutive games, and was provider again on Sunday as he set up Aaron Ramsey for the Gunners' second against Aston Villa.

"This year he has been a real focal part of the side and I think that has helped his confidence," Oxlade-Chamberlain told the club's official website. "We know that if we can give Mesut the ball, we can trust that he will make things happen time after time.

"He has always been an unbelievable player and a player I have admired for a number of years before he came here and even when he has been at Arsenal he has always shown the quality.

"I just think his quality is coming out a bit more. Obviously he has a couple of good players around him to help him but that has really helped him to come out and show how good he is, week in and week out. Mesut has always been a quality player at Arsenal and this year he has been amazing so let's hope he can keep it up."

Next up for high-flying Arsenal is a clash with title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates on December 21.