Szczesny influence is important – Wenger

Arsène Wenger believes Wojciech Szczesny played an important part in Arsenal’s last two games.

The 23-year-old keeper was a spectator for the majority of the Napoli game on Tuesday but dealt with some dangerous crosses late on, days after making a number of notable saves during the league win over Swansea.

Wenger thinks the added competition for the No 1 shirt this season has seen an improvement in the Pole’s form.

“He comes off the line much more to claim the ball,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “His movement to take the ball at the peak is much better and he has shown that especially in the last two games against Swansea and Napoli when it was needed to come off the line and take a cross.

“It sometimes has a psychological impact on an opposing team when a goalkeeper comes to claim a cross or is quick off his line.”

Szczesny recently admitted it’s his “obsession” to keep clean sheets and Wenger was pleased he got one in the 2-0 win over Napoli.

“He got one and I can understand that because as a goalkeeper you always think you are doing your job well when you have a clean sheet. It’s the same for defenders as well.”