Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised young defender Calum Chambers following a difficult first-half against Liverpool on Monday night.
The 20-year-old made his first start for the club since March as he came in for Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, who both missed the game at the Emirates Stadium through illness and a back injury respectively.
In their absence, Chambers partnered Brazilian Gabriel Paulista at the heart of the Gunners defence and the former struggled with the presence of Reds striker Christian Benteke in the opening 45 minutes and had the likes of Petr Cech and Francis Coquelin to thank for saving his blushes at times.
However, the former Southampton starlet improved after the interval to ensure the Gunners kept their first clean sheet of the new season and Wenger hailed the character of the England international:
“He showed character,” the Frenchman told the club’s official website.
“The positive of the night, he did not have the best performance in the first half, was the way he recovered.”
“He showed his mental strength. He has lost a bit of confidence compared to the player he was last year.”
“I have spoken to him and he’s a strong footballer, a dedicated player who is ready to work day and night. He has the talent to be a good player,” Wenger added.
Chambers could keep his place in the team for the early kick-off against Newcastle United today as both Mertesacker and Koscielny are considered doubtful for the game at St James’ Park.
SEE ALSO:
Arsenal predicted line up vs Newcastle: Changes up front, with Giroud dropped for Liverpool blank
Arsenal great & Sky Sports pundit tips Manchester United to lose this weekend, criticises Wayne Rooney
Best two-footed players in world football: Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla, Chelsea new-boy, Ronaldo, Neymar & more