Wenger - Szczesny will only get better

Arsene Wenger believes Wojciech Szczesny will only get better as he gains more Premier League experience.

The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season and made a string of impressive saves on Tuesday in Poland’s defeat by England.

There had been talk that Arsenal would sign a new goalkeeper in the summer but Wenger has always had faith in those already at the Club.

“That speculation didn't come from me,” he said. “I was always convinced that Szczesny would make it. I rate Fabianski highly too.

“People forget with Szczesny that, at 23 years old, it is like being 18 for an outfield player.

“At 23 he has played two [full] Premier League seasons, one where we finished third and last year when we made 73 points and finished fourth. You would think that he can only go up.”

Szczesny has endured some difficult spells over the past few seasons but Wenger believes he has come out of it a better player.

“I think he questioned himself, especially after the European Championship in Poland where it was a massive disappointment for him [after he was sent off in the opening game] - I think it affected his belief,” the manager said.

“He has matured through disappointments, like we all do. I believe every big player has to go through that in his career. And what may decide his career is how he comes out of that and I believe he came out in the way I wanted.

“It took him a while but he came back stronger. I took him out of the team last year and since he has come back into the team he has been consistent.”