Wenger praises Van Persie and Wilshere

Arsene Wenger singled out Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshere for praise after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Wolves.

The Gunners kept up the pressure on leaders Manchester United thanks to a goal in each half from Van Persie at the Emirates Stadium, writes Stewart Coggin.
The Dutchman volleyed in a Cesc Fabregas cross after 16 minutes and doubled the advantage after a swift counterattack, with a low finish from a Theo Walcott cross.
 "He scored two different goals," said Wenger. "I personally like the two. One he scored with his right foot and the other on a one touch counterattack where we know we can be very dangerous."
After an impressive 45 minutes for England against Denmark last week, Wilshere produced another performance that belied his years. The 19-year-old delivered some exquisite passes into the penalty area and contributed to a performance that should have resulted in more goals.

Very Good

"I think he had a very good game," continued Wenger. "He defends well, attacks well and creates chances and assists.
"At the moment I believe he will soon score because he comes close and has a hesitation to finish himself and chooses at the moment always to keep the ball but when he has more confidence he will score goals."
It was a comfortable afternoon for Arsenal who created a number of chances, with the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Walcott lively on the wings. The manner of the display was a boost to Wenger after watching his side lose a four-goal lead at Newcastle United last weekend.
"We confirmed with the number of chances we created the quality of our game and we were defensively solid which was important after the four goals we conceded," he added.
"The only regret we have is that maybe we didn't score enough goals. The goalkeepers are very inspired here at the Emirates and their keeper (Wayne Hennessey) had an outstanding game."

Slapped Us

Wenger also confirmed that Samir Nasri has a chance of being fit for Wednesday's Champions League second round first-leg match with Barcelona at the Emirates. The Frenchman sustained a hamstring injury in the FA Cup against Huddersfield Town two weeks ago but has returned to training.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy accepted that his side were second best and deserved what they got.
"There was a murder going on out there and we were the recipient of it unfortunately," he said.
"We have tried everything but they were better than us from one to 11. Better all over. They have slapped us. We have tried everything, whether it be personnel, shape, formations, we have tried everything. I don't have one complaint at all.

"I'm disappointed that we've lost but did I look at the fixtures against Manchester United and Arsenal and think that's back to back victories for Wolves who are second bottom of the league and bottom after these results? No, I said we'd go and give it our best against them both but we have West Brom next week and that is a bigger game for our club. I have to admire that performance by Arsenal and aspire to it."