Wenger hails dream striker
30 Jan 2008 - 07:57:40
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted Emmanuel Adebayor is his 'dream striker' after helping the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League table.
The Togo hitman scored the first goal as the Gunners defeated Newcastle United 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to leapfrog title rivals Manchester United back to the summit.
Midfielders Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas were also on the mark against the Magpies.
In-form Adebayor has now scored 19 times this season and Wenger has been delighted by his contribution following the summer departure of strike partner Thierry Henry.
"He has many assets for a striker - he is mobile, he is tall and has quick feet," said the Frenchman.
"He can score with his feet, in the air, on crosses with headers. He is a generous type of player, he works for the team.
"He is striker who you dream to have."
Meanwhile, Wenger is hopeful that Flamini will shortly sign a new contract with his present deal set to expire in the summer.
The French midfielder has transformed himself from fringe member of the squad to first-team regular this season.
"We have a few players who have improved and he is one of them," said Wenger.
"His work-rate is tremendous, his composure, timing of the runs and final ball is great. That was not the case before.
"On top of that, he scored a great goal tonight.
"We are talking. I am hoping to finalise it. He wants to stay and I want him to stay, so we will find an agreement.
"I am not especially concerned, because I believe what he tells me."