Wenger hails Eboue as Arsenal bounce back

Arsene Wenger hailed Emmanuel Eboue after the Ivory Coast international inspired Arsenal back into the Premier League title race.

Eboue has endured a difficult time at the Emirates Stadium following his move from Beveren in 2005.

He has complained himself that he has often been played out of position, and even suffered the humiliation of being substituted against Wigan in December 2008, despite only having come on as a substitute himself.

But during the past 12 months, the 26-year-old has worked hard to fight his way back into the Arsenal team.

And the fact he was treated to a standing ovation from the home supporters in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland, which left the Gunners six points behind leaders Chelsea and just two points away from second placed Manchester United, is testament to his recent improvement.

Wenger said: “Eboue is a good example of how you can always change people’s opinions with the work you do on the pitch.

“The people booed him a year ago and now they love him. It is because of his hard work.

“I believe he prefers to play at right back, I see him there. I also like him in midfield – he is not bad there at all.

“He is a good football player and when you see him in the opposite box, you know he will pass, so he is a good player.”

Eboue was the source of Arsenal’s crucial opening goal as he burst into the box and his shot found its way through to Nicklas Bendtner, who tapped into an empty net at the far post.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas added Arsenal’s second goal in stoppage time when he converted from the penalty spot after he was tripped by Fraizer Campbell.

The victory keeps the pressure on Chelsea and United and Wenger, who masterminded 13 consecutive league wins to clinch the title in 2002, is optimistic about repeating the achievement this season.

Wenger added: “We are still in the title race. All we can do is win our games and hope the others drop points.

“The top two will drop points because they have to play each other, so it is possible, there are plenty of games where they can drop points.

“We did not speak about United’s defeat to Everton. I don’t know if the players knew the result but we knew we had to win this game and that’s what we tried to do.

“The team is focused and wants to do well and responded to the defeat on Wednesday and I am very pleased.”

The result proved to be the perfect tonic for Arsenal after they had lost to Porto in the Champions League earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, the defeat for Sunderland means manager Steve Bruce is still searching for his first win in the Premier League since November.

The former Manchester United defender admits it is his worst run in management and he knows the threat of relegation is growing stronger by the week.

He added: “It’s been a frustrating time. It feels like the world is against us.

“We had some great chances and we need to take one and it is disappointing we didn’t.

“It is the worst run I’ve had as a manager. I know we need to make sure we can finish off the season.”