Arsene Wenger: Lukas Podolski is a fantastic finisher

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has labelled Lukas Podolski as “a fantastic finisher” but has hinted that he is unlikely to give in to the forward’s wish to play him as a central striker.

Podolski scored twice in the 3-1 win over West Ham last night, prompting Wenger to praise his finishing and his “unbelievable power” and admit that he is the player that he wants the chances to fall to.

However, he hinted that he is unlikely to play the German up front, due to the current system of operating with Olivier Giroud as a lone target man.

“I played him centre forward a few times and I felt he came a lot to the ball, more like an off-striker than a target striker, Wenger told the club’s official website.

“But he is a fantastic finisher because he has unbelievable power and a very short backlift. So the one you want to have a chance is him.”

Last night marked only the second time this season that Podolski has completed 90 minutes in the Premier League this season; a fact that the striker has admitted frustrates him but that Wenger insists is not necessarily down to his performances.

“First of all you do not always substitute players linked with the performance, sometimes yes, on Saturday yes, but sometimes not, sometimes you want to change tactically, sometimes you want a better defensive balance when you’re 3-1 up.

“It depends, it is always a different reason.”