Football: Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger's praise for young striker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Published: 22 September, 2011
by TOM FOOT

ALEX Oxlade-Chamberlain is “unbelievable” and is guaranteed a place in the Arsenal first team, according to Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal boss said he expected the “Ox” to beat down the door of midfield rival Theo Walcott and his team-mates by the end of the season.

Wenger said: “You could see he will be a first team player at this club, that is for sure. Very quickly he will knock on the door.”

He was speaking after a commanding performance – and debut goal – from the 18-year-old striker in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Oxlade-Chamberlain put the Gunners 2-1 up in the second half with a pure strike from outside the box after League 2 contenders Shrewsbury Town stole a shock lead.

Wenger said: “In the first half he was timid but suddenly he grew in stature.

“He is unbelievable. You didn’t expect what came in second half.”

Kieran Gibbs headed home Carl Jenkinson’s cross in the first half and Yossi Benayoun completed the turnaround on 83 minutes.

The embattled Arsenal boss is losing his serene grip on fans and the media after three chaotic defeats in five opening Premier League matches. But he still has the “total” support of the board.

He said: “Whether I work here in the next 10 years, or the next day, I will give my maximum for the club. I am not bothered about this speculation at all.

“I accept the critics – you are criticised when you lose a game.”

Asked whether legendary Arsenal defender Tony Adams should return to the club to sort out the defence, Wenger added: “I have just completed 32 years of coaching. I do not want to answer these kind of questions.”