Arsene Wenger backs Park Chu-Young & says Arsenal fans will see 'more and more' of 'quality player'

The South Korean scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win over Bolton in midweek but has yet to start in the Premier League, with his manager saying he needs time to adapt.

By Jack Breeze

The South Korean joined Arsenal late in August and has only made two appearances for the club so far, with his second start on Tuesday night which he capped with his first goal as the Gunners beat Bolton 2-1 in the League Cup.

Wenger reinforced his squad following the departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, with some of his summer signings featuring more than others.

But Wenger has complete faith in the 26-year-old striker, and believes that his goal against Bolton will have done his confidence the world of good.

"Park arrived on August 31 and now we are at the end of October, that's two months," Wenger told the club's official website.

"Thierry Henry started to play in November and arrived earlier, so it takes some time to settle. Park is a quality player, we see that in training, and he is a very intelligent player. That can come out in the game. Overall I believe you will see more and more of Park.

"He personally needed that goal of course but I believe when new players arrive at a club you need that to convince people you deserve to be where you are.

"Many people think that unless you are coming with a massive transfer fee you cannot succeed easily. If he had come with a big transfer fee everybody would have been full of what he achieved. He is showing that he is at the level to play for Arsenal Football Club and certainly the goal will help him to gain confidence."

Meanwhile, Andrey Arshavin has recently admitted his form has been poor and not up to the high standards expected at the Emirates, but Wenger has supported the 30-year-old and believes he is a vital part of his squad.

The Russian impressed on Tuesday night, starring in a roving central role behind Park, and Wenger admits he is more comfortable in this position.

“I believe that he is more at ease now in a more central role because if he is on the flanks it is very physical and you have to defend a lot,” he said.

“That's not always his strongest part in the game.

“You can see that in the future he can be a very influential player behind the striker.

“This guy is an absolutely top class player but something somewhere gets people a little bit reluctant sometimes.

“You look at his assists and goals scored and he is always among the best. He can come on and have an impact, he can start and have an impact. Andrey is an impact player.”