Arsene Wenger believes the key to Charlie Austin’s seamless adaption to life in the Premier League is his mental strength.
Only Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa have scored more than the QPR striker, who took his total for this season to 11 league goals with a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.
"Congratulations to him and as well to the people that have given him a chance"
Arsene Wenger on Charlie Austin
Austin was playing for Poole Town in the Wessex League five years ago, and Wenger feels that the 25-year-old’s “tenacity”, coupled with his talent, has helped him to excel.
“First of all, he is an English striker who has played in lower divisions and has managed to come up,” the boss said. “You have to congratulate him for that, because first of all, that shows mental strength and tenacity.
“That mental strength is very important at the top level. Secondly, it could bring some idea that there might be some other players down there who are good enough to come up to the Premier League and don’t get the chance.
"Congratulations to him and as well to the people that have given him a chance."
Mikel Arteta scored late on last time QPR visited the Emirates
Wenger is expecting a tough test against Harry Redknapp’s side on Boxing Day, but believes his team will rise to the challenge.
“We expect QPR, with nothing to lose, to come and have a go at us,” he said. "But we have to focus on our performances and especially make sure that over Christmas we take advantage of the schedule we have and put the performances in.
“We have a good opportunity over Christmas to show that we are much better than people think we are.
“In the Premier League, every game is difficult and you just want to turn up.”
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