Arsenal starlet impresses manager

Arsene Wenger has spoken with delight of youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, following his fast development which included a brace during their 7-1 thumping of Blackburn on Saturday.

The 18-year-old scored two goals, whilst Dutch star Robin van Persie scored his second hat-trick of the season which led Arsenal to their first league win of 2012.

“Chamberlain has made a big steps in the last few months,” said Wenger.
“He has improved very quickly. He is a fighter as well, with personality, and is much more mature now.”

The Gunners’ boss signed Chamberlain for £12m from Southampton last summer, and he remains confident that “The Ox” will continue to develop and that he made the right decision to play him despite having a slight knock.

“I would not have taken a gamble today,” added Wenger.

“In a very short period of time he has become an important player who can make a difference. I rested him in the last 20 minutes at Bolton, so he was not pushed to his limits.

“The medical staff said there was no risk that he could damage his knee, so that is why I decided to play him.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goals came either side of half-time and topped off an impressive performance. However the England Under-21 international knows that his place in the starting line-up is far from guaranteed.

“It’s always nice to get on the goalsheet and in this league – I’ve been waiting for day like this,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told BBC Sport.
“I’ve got a to put in a lot more hard work to stay in this team.”

Meanwhile it has been proposed that Oxlade-Chamberlain will now follow his father Mark Chamberlain and will go on to represent England, and is being tipped to play at this year’s Euro 2012.
“It would be very nice,” he added. “But I must keep my feet on the ground.

“I have belief in myself and my own ability. I’ll keep working hard then I hope the rest will come

“I’m in the Under-21 squad and playing for Arsenal – I’ll concentrate on that.”

Adam is now an online veteran of publishing and has experience across all the leagues. A Liverpool fan since he was a child, Adam brings you all the latest gossip from Anfield, good or bad!

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