Arsenal 5 West Ham 1: Wenger hails ‘outstanding’ Podolski

Arsene Wenger singled out Lukas Podolski for special praise after the midfielder’s goal sent Arsenal on their way to victory over West Ham.

The Gunners fell behind to Jack Collison’s volley in the 18th minute but Podolski’s sumptuous 25-yard strike drew the hosts level four minutes later.

Two goals from Olivier Giroud and strikes from Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla after the break wrapped up an impressive display by Wenger’s men, as they closed the gap to fourth-placed Tottenham to four points.

And Wenger was particularly pleased with Podolski’s contribution, who also set up three of Arsenal’s other goals, after the Germany international netted 11th of the season.

“He had an outstanding game tonight,” said Wenger of Podolski. “He scored a very important goal.

“He has an unbelievable shot because the keeper had no chance. After he gave of course two great balls as well. What is new for us is that we scored on a corner! It was a bit unusual.

“Certainly today it was his most efficient game because I felt he took responsibility at the moment when we needed him.

“With a player of his experience you expect him to do that. I have plenty of candidates [to play through the centre] but I believe still this is his best position [on the left].”