Wenger pleased with how Arsenal handled West Ham’s Liverpool loanee

Sunday, October 7, 2012
9:59 AM

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was delighted with how his side coped with the threat of England international Andy Carroll in their 3-1 win over West Ham.

The Gunners fell behind to a Mohamed Diame goal in the first half but fought back to win thanks to strikes from Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla.

But Wenger admitted that his side had to fight hard to control Hammers striker Carroll, who was making his first start for Sam Allardyce’s side following an injury.

“You never can completely control Carroll for 90 minutes,” said Wenger.

“You have to fight for him and be good on the second ball.

“The problem with West Ham is not only Carroll, but is [also] Nolan on the second ball in the box.

“We could have been punished once or twice but overall we gave it all to deal well with him.

“He [Carroll] was really up for it I must say. He did fight from the first to the last minute.”