ARSENE WENGER has praised two young Arsenal stars who excelled in their 3-1 win over Sunderland.
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| Arsene Wenger spoke highly of Hector Bellerin and Alex Iwobi after Arsenal beat Sunderland 3-1 |
Alex Iwobi, making only his second start, and Hector Bellerin, now a first-team regular, were excellent for the Gunners as they progressed to fourth round of the FA Cup.
Wenger picked a very strong Arsenal team for the visit of Sunderland - surprising, perhaps, given the Frenchman's track record of blooding youngsters in cup competitions - but Iwobi, 19, and Bellerin, 20 made telling contributions at the Emirates.
Bellerin's elevation into Arsenal's first team in the last year has been astonishing - especially when you consider he's knocked French international defender Mathieu Debuchy down the pecking order.
The speedy Spanish right-back provided both assists for the match-winning goals scored by Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud in the second half.
"The fact that he is only 20-years-old means there is a lot more to come for him," said Wenger.
Jeremain Lens had given Sunderland a shock lead before Joel Campell equalised in the first half.
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| Bellerin assisted Ramsey and Giroud with their goals against Sunderland |
Nigerian midfielder Iwobi, making his sixth senior appearance, played a significant part in that goal and impressed throughout, until he was replaced by Ramsey after 65 minutes.
Wenger was pleased with Iwobi, who wasn't phased by his first state at the Emirates.
"I liked the timing of his passes and in the middle of the park, that is a vital quality," he said.
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| Alex Iwobi impressed on his home debut at the Emirates |
Arsenal did survive a scare with the game level at 1-1, when Steven Fletcher's header crashed back off the bar - moments after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had struck Jordan Pickford's post.
But Wenger was thrilled with the Gunners' response, especially after they had gone behind to Lens' strike, which came courtesy of a poor mistake by Laurent Koscielny in defence.
"It was a test for us to come from behind. There was a great mental response and there is a special solidarity in the team.
"You always worry because, no matter how long you are in this job, you never know what is next. The experience we had up front today helped. I am very happy overall."
The holders now wait for the fourth round draw and their win over Sunderland means Arsene Wenger has not lost a single third round match in the FA Cup in the 20 years he's been Arsenal manager.
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