‘Yaya Sanogo can make a big impact at Arsenal this season’

Arsene Wenger has backed Yaya Sanogo to build on his recent impressive performances for Arsenal between now and the end of the season.

The 21-year-old striker put in solid shifts against Liverpool and Bayern Munich as Wenger opted to rest Olivier Giroud.

He hasn’t played many games and he can make a huge contribution

Arsene Wenger

And the Arsenal boss revealed that Sanogo’s return from injury played a part in his decision not to bring in another striker in the January transfer window.

“I think he is ready to make a big difference,” said Wenger. “He hasn’t played many games and he can make a huge contribution until the end of the season.

“It played a big part [in my decision not to sign a striker] because you compare the potential arrivals with his qualities and that was for me in favour of Sanogo.”

Wenger also insisted that Giroud remains totally focused ahead of Saturday’s clash against Sunderland, despite the French striker’s recent off-field issues.

“Giroud is completely focused,” said Wenger. “He is a strong, strong man, I must say. I’ve seen many people and he is a strong guy.

“We know our weaknesses and strengths. Some of us when we have problems outside the field use the pitch to forget about our problems and some of us are different. But he is focused completely on the match.”