Arsene Wenger reacts to Hector Bellerin’s performance in Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsene Wenger was gushing with praise for Hector Bellerin after watching his Arsenal side reach the fourth round of the FA Cup by beating Sunderland 3-1 at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Spaniard played the full 90 minutes as Wenger’s side notched up a record 13th straight win in the competition that they have won for the last two seasons.

Bellerin has been a regular fixture in the Arsenal team this season and has kept Mathieu Debuchy out of the team with a series of impressive performances for the north London outfit.

And Wenger was full of praise for the 20-year-old when asked about his performance after the final whistle.

Asked about Bellerin, Wenger told his post-match news conference at Emirates Stadium: “He became stronger and stronger. Sometimes I felt in the last 20 minutes, every time he went forward he created a chance on goal.

“I don’t know [if he is the best right-back in the Premier League]. Of course [he is among the best].

“Look at the defensive and offensive numbers. The fact that he is only 20 years old, there is a lot more to come from him.”

Bellerin has made one assist in 18 Premier League games to help Arsenal move two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners now turn their attentions to next Wednesday’s crunch Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.