Wenger hails Nasri's maturity

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Samir Nasri's evolution from a typical playmaker to a top finisher, following his double against Manchester United.<br>

كتب : Ahmed Saied

الأحد، 09 نوفمبر 2008 - 13:06
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Samir Nasri's evolution from a typical playmaker to a top finisher, following his double against Manchester United.

The French international fired two long-range shots as Wenger's side downed United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

"When he is in front of goal he can finish with his right foot or left foot," Wenger was quoted as saying after the game.

"He has a lot of pace and power and I encourage him to go in the final third. He was a more typical playmaker in France who gave the ball and took it back.

"I believe that with his pace he can penetrate in the final third and he will score plenty of goals. That is what he did today because he is a tremendous finisher."

Nasri joined the London side from Marseille in the summer and succeeded in filling the void left by the departure of Alexander Hleb to Barcelona.

He played a pivotal role on the left flank, giving veteran full-back Gary Neville hard times till the latter was substituted in the second period.

Substitute Rafael Da Silva scored United's consolation goal in the 90th minute as the guests pushed forward in search for a late equalizer during the six added minutes.

"Just before they scored, the fourth official told me it was going to be six minutes and I asked him if he was sure, what's that? I have never played six minutes here," Wenger said.