Published: 24 January, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

ARSENE Wenger praised Lukas Podolski’s “efficiency” after a match-winning performance in the Premier League last night (Wednesday).
The Gunners battered West Ham 5-1 with Podolski scoring a wonder goal and inspiring a scintillating 10-minute goal frenzy from the home side.

But the Arsenal boss said he would not reward the German international by playing him in the central striking role.
He said: “I have plenty of candidates for that. The wing is his best position.

“But it was certainly his most efficient game. He took responsibility when you needed. With a player of his experience you expect that.”

Podolski equalised shortly after West Ham had taken the lead. He latched on to a bouncing ball and unleashed a half-volley from way outside the box into the bottom corner. He set up three more goals in the second half before being taken off to a standing ovation from a rocking Emirates.

Wenger said: “He had an outstanding game and he scored a very important goal – it was an unbelievable shot. The keeper had no chance.”

West Ham had taken the lead through a powerful strike from Jack Collison after 18 minutes. But Arsenal responded well with Podolski and Jack Wilshere driving the team forward.

The Hammers looked woeful after the restart and were ripped apart with goals from Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and a brace by Olivier Giroud.

With a carnival atmosphere, the match looked to be heading for a memorable rout. But a worrying injury to West Ham midfielder Dan Potts sapped the life out of the game. He lay motionless on the floor for 10 minutes after an innocuous clash with Bacary Sagna.

Wenger said: “We played at a high pace, with great movement and quality final balls.

“I was more worried that we had been a bit inhibited in the recent big games from the start. But this team has a fantastic mentality and good quality that’s what we want to show.”