Arsenal face Bournemouth on Sunday and their former striker, who has scored three goals in four games for Eddie Howe's side, has a point to prove after being sold by the Gunners
Arsene Wenger admits Benik Afobe has “exceeded expectations” since leaving Arsenal as he prepares to face the Bournemouth striker on Sunday.
Afobe spent 15 years at Arsenal before being sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers last January, with his impressive form in the Championship earning him a £10 million transfer to Bournemouth last month.
The 22-year-old was highly rated in the Gunners academy but never made an appearance for the first-team, eventually leaving on a permanent deal following six loan spells.
Afobe has scored three goals in his first four appearances for Bournemouth and Wenger says the striker has performed “very well” ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Dean Court this weekend.
“He was very young, he had big competition in front of him, players like [Robin] Van Persie,” Wenger explained. “I gave him the opportunity to go and play somewhere else.
“In the end you influence people to give them success. If they can’t do it for us and can do it somewhere else, we are very happy for them. Benik Afobe has done very well and exceeded expectations.
“I think the best way to stop the opponent is for us to keep the ball while being aware that Benik is quick, sharp, strong and has good movement in the box.
“We are used to facing this kind of striker in the Premier League because every club has top quality strikers.”
- Goal