Arsene Wenger: 'Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must believe in himself'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needs to start playing with more self-belief if he is to develop further as a player.

The 22-year-old began the current campaign by scoring the winner in the Community Shield victory over Chelsea, and has since gone on to make a further nine appearances for club and country this season.

Wenger admitted that it is a "massive season" for the England international and says that he needs to begin playing with more freedom if he is to fulfil his potential.

The Gunners boss told The Mirror: "He is at the age now where he is getting picked regularly for the national team. He is picked by me as well for the team.

"It is a very important season because of the nature of the way that he is growing. You feel that the evolution has a sense of responsibility. I think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must believe more in himself.

"He must believe more in his talent and that will help him develop as a player. I think that sometimes he is too critical of himself. I would like him to play with the freedom and express the desire of his talent."

Arsenal face a trip across North London to face local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the League Cup at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night.