Dyer: We're ready for Arsenal
27th September
Nathan Dyer insists he and his team-mates are relishing another battle against Arsenal in the Premier League.
The two sides meet at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday as the Swans look to earn their first home league win of the season (5.30pm).
Michael Laudrup's suffered an opening day defeat to Manchester United in SA1 before earning a draw against Liverpool a fortnight ago.
Since then the Swans have climbed into the top half of the table as they prepare to host the current league leaders.
And Dyer is predicting another entertaining encounter against Arsene Wenger's side.
"It's been a tough start to the season for us," said the winger. "We lost the first two games but we have had a lot of European games since then so we're used to the fixtures by now.
"We had a lot of additions during the summer and it always takes time for people to gel. But I feel we've got a strong team now and one that is capable of winning games.
"But playing against sides like Arsenal is a great challenge, not only for us as a squad but as individual players as well.
"It's definitely a challenge playing against a team that plays a similar way. The game then becomes a lot more tactical.
"If you come up against a side that is more direct, then it becomes a physical battle. But we always have good games against Arsenal and this weekend should be no different."
Saturday's clash also sees two of the Premier League's in-form players go head to head.
Mesut Ozil arrived at the Emirates last month for a club-record fee, with the Germany international providing four assists in his first two games for the Gunners.
Michu, meanwhile, has picked up from where he left off last season, scoring five goals in ten games so far this season.
"He (Michu) has been outstanding since the day he arrived," said Dyer. "He finds space, scores goals and creates them as well.
"Obviously Ozil has played for Real Madrid and he's an unbelievable talent, so it would be unfair to compare the two of them.
"But Michu is right up there with the best in the league, and arguably in a class of his own. He is a great player to have in your team and when he goes in on goal you can count on him to score more often than not."
The Swans are now battling on three fronts this season after their defence of the Capital One Cup was ended in midweek.
Laudrup's men suffered a 3-1 defeat against Birmingham at the third round stage, meaning their will be a new name on the trophy come February.
But Dyer insists the squad are far from satisfied as they look to progress in the Europa League and climb the Premier League table.
"I've always said that we are a team that wants to progress in every competition," he said. "Winning the League Cup last year was great, but you want to keep going as far as possible.
"You want to achieve everything you can in your career - and that is winning medals and trophies.
"We were disappointed to go out on Wednesday night because we have a squad that is more than capable of mounting a challenge in all competitions."
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