Arsenal boss Wenger hails ‘power and freedom’ of Oxlade-Chamberlain
Arsene Wenger was effusive in his praise of winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain following Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of West Ham United on Saturday.
While Alexis Sanchez stole the headlines for his second-half hat-trick, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s was one of a number of stellar Arsenal performances at the London Stadium.
The 23-year-old netted a crisp fourth to close the door on the home side’s fleeting hopes of a revival, after Andy Carroll had nodded in with seven minutes to go.
Mesut Ozil had opened the scoring for Arsenal midway through the first half.
The win lifted the Gunners to second in the Premier League, three points behind Antonio Conte’s Chelsea, who have won eight league games on the spin.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
The Hammers, meanwhile, are hovering above the relegation zone with 12 points from 14 games, just one above Sunderland in 18th place.
Wenger singled out Oxlade-Chamberlain for his “freedom and power”, and feels the youngster has improved during this campaign.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored six goals in all competitions this term – a tally that already represents his best haul for a single season.
“He has made a lot of progress this season,” Wenger said.
“He plays with freedom and power. When he wins the ball in your half he has the power to get you out.
“I hope that continues for him.”
