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Wenger - Ox has grown in stature

Arsene Wenger is impressed with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s development and feels the youngster is now taking more responsibility on the pitch.

After coming off the bench to provide the assist for Olivier Giroud’s goal against Norwich City on Saturday, Oxlade-Chamberlain again made a positive impact as a substitute in the midweek draw against Everton.

Wenger is happy with the 19-year-old’s recent performances and says he will play an important part in the last five games of the season.

“Alex is a huge talent,” the manager said. “I believe that he has moved forward a lot this season and you see it now when he comes on he has a different stature.

“He takes responsibility when he comes on now, which was not always the case. He has made huge improvements. He's a very young boy. He has a part to play in our final run-in of course.

“I think since January he has grown up a lot. You see that now, there is more purpose in his game, the final ball is much better and his concentration is at a higher level.

“That's what you learn when you come from [being] a young talented boy to a real performer. I think this season has been very useful for him.”

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