Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said Park Chu-Young is “ready for league games” after the strikers goal proved decisive in last night’s 2-1 Carling Cup win over Bolton.

The South Korea international was signed from Monaco in the summer and played the full 90 minutes in what was only his second game for the Gunners. He opened his account in the fourth round tie with a curling effort in the second half after being teed up by Andrei Arshavin.

“He had a very, very good game. His movement was exceptional and his finishing is absolutely fantastic. He is ready to play in league games,” said Wenger.

“Compared to the player who played in the first match [against Shrewsbury] where he was a bit inhibited, tonight I felt he played with freedom and has showed what a good player he is.”

As with Henry and Pires before him, Wenger was prepared to give the 26 year old time to settle in the EPL before unleashing him on opposition defences. Arsenal however have been particularly reliant on Robin van Persie this season and Wenger may have struck gold after the South Korean captains performance last night as the Frenchman considers his options up front.

Central half Thomas Vermaelen made his first start in two months having recovered from an ankle injury but the Belgian had to be substituted shortly before the final whistle after picking up a knock.

“He did very well. He had to come off for a calf problem but I hope it’s not too bad,” added the Wenger.

“Thomas will be a bit short for Saturday. I don’t know yet what I will do. We have to test him tomorrow, but it doesn’t look too bad.

“He has been out for a long time and he had only one training session yesterday with the team. I didn’t really expect a game of that intensity – it was a tough one for a centre-back.

“We don’t think it is a calf strain, it is just tight calves. He wanted to come off.”

The Gunners appear to have put their indifferent start to the campaign behind them and have now won seven of their last eight games.

“We want to just keep going and I think it is down to us to change the mind of people,” the Frenchman continued.

“We have a good spirit, a good attitude and there is still some room for improvement of course. We are getting better and better.”

SEBASTIAN LARSSON is flattered to be praised by former boss Arsene Wenger.

The Arsenal manager described Larsson as the best free-kick taker in the Premier League after the Swede netted against the Gunners earlier this month.

And Larsson – who played under Wenger from 2004 to 2007– says he's delighted to hear such words.

Larsson said: "Of course, such praise is always nice and it gives you a confidence boost.

"I didn't think about it too much straight after the game because I was disappointed we'd lost the game, but it is nice.

"I have always enjoyed the responsibility involved in taking free-kicks and set pieces.

"But obviously it is important to create and score goals when that responsibility is given to you."

Larsson was on form again at the weekend, playing a key role in both of Sunderland's second half goals in their 2-0 win at Bolton.

And the winger believes it was their relaxed mind-set that helped them see off their opponents for their first away win of the campaign.

Larsson added: "The first half was nervy and edgy with both teams making sure they didn't go behind.

"We said at half time that the game was there to win, we just needed to up it a few per cent.

"We tried to relax and go out and play the way we know we can and I think we really took charge of the game in the second half."