Arsene Wenger hails "absolutely outstanding" Laurent Koscielny

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reserved special praise for Laurent Koscielny following his side's 1-0 victory over Southampton by describing the centre-back's performance as being "absolutely outstanding".

The 29-year-old missed two months of the campaign through injury sustained against Chelsea in early October, but since returning against West Bromwich Albion last week the Gunners have kept two clean sheets.

Koscielny produced another fine display to shut out Southampton at the Emirates Stadium last night, with Arsenal winning the contest late on to close in on a top-four spot.

Speaking after the game, Wenger told the club's official website: "Laurent Koscielny was absolutely outstanding today and he contributes to stabilise our defence. We missed him for nearly two months and it's important."

Next up for Arsenal in the Premier League is a trip to face Stoke City on the weekend.