Arsene Wenger has once against praised Joel Campbell after his recent success in the first team.

If reports are to be believed, the forward was incredibly close to leaving last summer and the fact that the boss didn’t let him go, without possibly knowing that we would suffer injury blows to both the Ox and Theo, was a stroke of genius.

The boss actually admitted that he’s surprised at the level of quality the 23-year-old has shown.

“You want to be surprised by the quality of your players and where he surprises you is in the intensity of his teamwork,” Wenger said.

“I flat-refused to let him go [in the summer] because I saw something in him that gives you belief, because of his attitude.

“I always thought the attitude was there. But after Olympiacos, in a game where we were like that, knife on the throat, he turned up with something special – great teamwork and a pass for Giroud on a second goal that was massive for us.

“Then I thought, ‘He can play under pressure as well, that is important for us’.”

Campbell has been a breath of fresh air since he stepped up to fill in for the injured Ox. He’s not only ‘done a job’ while the England international was sidelined, he’s replaced him in the starting XI. He’s scoring, assisting, and creating, and he’s been a huge asset to the team.

Wenger not letting him go is really paying off.

It’s now vital that we keep hold of the Costa Rican. His work rate is admirable and it’s clear he’s loving his football right now, let’s not waste it.