‘Internationals had positive experience’

Arsene Wenger believes the positive experience Arsenal’s players had over the international break will only help them domestically.

Fifteen Gunners represented their countries, including Jack Wilshere who set up team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to score his fourth goal for England.

“I believe when people go away and have positive experiences, the club can benefit from it when they come back,” Wenger explained. “It’s good they got away from that disappointment [of losing at Swansea] and came back with a positive experience.

“It is good for Oxlade-Chamberlain to score and I like the fact he scored of course but as well the quality of his run to get in behind, because he has such pace it is important that he used it in a successful way.

“I would love to [see him score more]. He is moving up game after game and has gained a lot of confidence. He takes people on, he can deliver the final ball, he can score.

“Wilshere has also shown he is a modern midfielder who can defend and attack. he can play tactically, he is very intelligent Jack and can play in that position. As well he is a big threat in the final third, so it is important that he does not lose that.

“If England need him there, he plays there, but he can play in different positions. Higher up front is maybe a bit more natural for him, but it is good for his development to play in a deeper position as well.”