Hector Bellerin "grateful" to Arsene Wenger for first-team chance

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has thanked manager Arsene Wenger for giving him the chance to shine in the Premier League this season.

The 20-year-old, who joined from Barcelona in 2011, has managed to make a breakthrough at the Emirates Stadium this term by appearing 20 times for the Gunners.

Bellerin is now hoping to make the most of his opportunity, having opened the scoring in his side's 4-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

"At the beginning of the season I did not expect to be in the team, but obviously I am really grateful for the coach for giving me the chances that he's given me," the Spaniard is quoted as saying by BT Sport.

"I am just trying to pay him back for the trust he has shown in me and just want to continue to work hard, trying to be the best in every performance that I have."

Arsenal are now second in the Premier League table following yesterday's win over Liverpool.