Liverpool 0 Arsenal 2: Wenger hails Cazorla and Podolski after win

Arsène Wenger reserved special praise for Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski after the Arsenal new-boys fired the Gunners to an impressive victory at Liverpool on Sunday.

Arsenal, who stuttered to goalless draws in their opening two Premier League games, netted their first goal of the season when Podolski and Cazorla combined in a sweeping move as the Germany international slotted home from close range in the 31st minute.

And the visitors put the result beyond doubt when Cazorla’s powerful strike beat Pepe Reina in the 68th minute to hand the north Londoners their first win of the new season.

“Everybody understood very quickly that Cazorla would not take six months to settle and Podolski is deadly when there is a chance, you see that in training,” Wenger said.

“He showed good team work as well today, and I am pleased for them. Just Giroud needs a goal, but as long as the team wins we know that will come.”

Sunday’s clean sheet means the Gunners are the only top-flight team not to have conceded a goal so far this season, and Wenger is hoping his side can continue that record.

“As long as that record lasts, the more everybody does defensively because they want to keep the record going,” he added.

“Football is always a good lesson in humility because we had the number one and two goalkeepers out and went to Stoke and Liverpool and haven’t conceded a goal. You never know in the game, but when you have a good work rate and spirit in the team you have a chance.”

Abou Diaby was named man of the match for a commanding display in central midfield at Anfield and Wenger was thrilled with the Frenchman’s impact after he missed most of last season through injury.

“You can see it is massive for us because he is a tremendous football player,” he said. “He has absolutely everything you want in midfield.

“He hasn’t played for a year but he had a good pre-season where we have him 45 minutes every three days and now he looks in good shape. There is more to come from him but what he has shown today is very good.”

And the Arsenal boss also revealed that midfielder Jack Wilshere is progressing well as he bids to recover from the ankle and knee injuries that have kept him out for over a year.

“He is looking very good in training,” he said. “I would still give him a month. But it looks very good. In a month he should be starting to play again.”

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