Liverpool legend hails Arsenal’s change of mentality

Dietmar Hamann says Arsenal have become more resilient over the past two years.

The Gunners booked their place in the last-16 draw after a 3-0 victory over Olympiacos in Greece in a must-win Champions League game.

Arsene Wenger was without key players such as Chile international Alexis Sanchez, defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin and Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla for the Olympiacos clash.

The north London side qualified for the knockout stage despite losing three of their opening four group-stage games, whilst the Gunners are in second place in the Premier League.

And Hamann, who was part of Liverpool’s side that won the Champions League in dramatic circumstances in 2005, believes Wenger’s side are less mentally fragile in recent seasons.

“There is a change in mentality over the past two years,” Hamann told RTE Sport.

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“In the past when there was a tight game, they’d always crumble.In the last two years, we’ve seen a different Arsenal.”

The Gunners were 3-1 winners against Sunderland at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League at the weekend.

Arsenal make the trip to struggling Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.