Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the midfielder scored both of his side’s goals during Tuesday’s 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Reading.

The England international has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season, as he has started just three Premier League games this term, but he took full advantage of his chance in the starting line-up against the Royals.

The 23-year-old has now scored five goals in all competitions this season, despite his limited playing time, and Wenger believes the youngster’s improved form is down to hard-work on the training pitch.

“His concentration is sharper, he is more determined and he has worked very hard in training,” the Frenchman said.

“That is now showing on the pitch.” Wenger made a total of nine changes to his side for the cup success, and he was quick to praise his team for the way they played against the Royals, particularly full-back Carl Jenkinson, who returned to the side after spending the last two seasons on loan at West Ham.

“It’s fantastic to see Carl back,” Wenger added. “He did well and had no fitness problems at all, which shows that he prepared well. “I felt Rob [Holding] did well, Ainsley [Maitland-Niles] played some nice passes and Jeff [Reine-Adelaide] had a good game, too.”

The Gunners are now unbeaten in their last 13 matches in all competitions and they will be looking to extend that run further when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the league on Saturday.

Wenger’s men are available at 1.40 to win the match, while the division’s bottom club are priced at 7.50 and the draw is on offer at 4.75.