Alan Pardew: 'Arsenal are better with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain'

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes that Arsenal are a better side when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain plays.

Pardew gave the England international his senior debut during their time at Southampton together back in 2010, and the Eagles boss talked up his former player's ability to Sky Sports News.

"I look at Arsenal and they're a much better team with him in it," said Pardew. "He's got great pace and quality and he'd be a massive asset for England if he could stay fit.

"I feel so sorry for him because he's had such bad luck with injuries."

Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2011, for a fee of around £12m.