Wenger wary of Carroll quality

Last Updated: October 5, 2012 2:45pm

Andy Carroll: Striker has fan in Wenger

Arsene Wenger has revealed his admiration for Andy Carroll as he prepares his Arsenal side to cope with the physical threat of the West Ham striker.

The on-loan Liverpool forward appears to have rediscovered some of the form that deserted him following his high-profile move from Newcastle to Anfield.

Wenger says he never questioned the quality of the 23-year-old but is not surprised that his career faltered at Liverpool given the weight of expectation that accompanied his £35m price-tag.

However, he insists there will be no special plan to stop Carroll at Upton Park as the Gunners attempt to bounce back after losing their unbeaten league record to Chelsea last time out.

"Carroll has the quality and that will come out with time. We expect Carroll to be at his best - it is down to us to deal with that," said Wenger. "We can only focus on our own performance and be at our best.

"He started very well, then he had to deal with a high level of expectation with a massive transfer on his shoulders going to an historic club where a lot was expected of him. Maybe it was a bit too early for him.

"Since I have seen him at West Ham, he looks back to the Carroll we have seen at Newcastle, that means with less pressure."

Wenger, however, insists the Hammers are anything but a long ball side under Sam Allardyce, who guided them back up through the play-offs and to a solid start this season.

"West Ham have a good balance, they are efficient, they are a good mixture I must say between direct play and playing on the ground," he said.

"Technically they are quite sound in midfield, they have Carroll and (Carlton) Cole up front who can go for high balls.

"We know we will have a big challenge there, we know we will only get away with the points if we perform at our best."

Wenger added: "Allardyce has again a very good team and you have to give him credit for that.

"He has built a good team, well balanced, always efficient and he is a good manager because he lasts."

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