Two of the most in-form teams in Europe will clash in the Champions League group stages as Arsenal take on Napoli on Tuesday. After a difficult opening game against Aston Villa, Arsenal have come back with a bang and find themselves at the top of the Barclays Premier League. They have won five games on the trot with Mesut Ozil already looking like a bargain.
Rafa Benitez's Napoli has had a similar start and find themselves second in the Serie A table. Their summer signings - Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol, have helped them with a strong start in Champions League as well. In the first game of the group stage, they defeated last year's finalist Borussia Dortmund.
Arsene Wenger was all praises for Benitez in the pre-match press conference. "I think he is a top-class manager," Wenger said. "He has proven that. So when you are confronted with his teams you know it will always be difficult."
He suggested that Benitez was given a rough ride by Chelsea. "People were tough with him because they didn't expect him to go to Chelsea but he did very well. He dealt well with it. In the end, with time going on people will realise that he did well", Wenger added.
Benitez said that his side will be ready to take on the Premier League leaders in their backyard. "Arsene Wenger is the best manager in the Premier League."Against Borussia Dortmund we attacked from the first minute, but tomorrow we will have to contain the euphoria because we face a very strong team at the top of the Premier League. We have to show our character and our strength, having respect for the opponent, but without fear," he said.
Arsenal also won their first game in the group of death as they defeated Olympique de Marseille away from home.
