Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 6y

Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac is proof of transfer bargains - Arsene Wenger

LONDON -- Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger credited Sead Kolasinac with proving that bargains still exist in the transfer market after the wing-back inspired a 2-1 comeback win over Swansea on Saturday.

Kolasinac, who joined on a free transfer from Schalke this summer, netted the second-half equaliser himself and then set up Aaron Ramsey for the winner as Arsenal maintained their perfect home record this season.

The Bosnia international now has two goals and three assists for the season -- not including his goal in the Community Shield against Chelsea -- while he has also provided a more physical presence at the back for the Gunners.

"I believe that since he arrived he has convinced everybody that he was a good signing," Wenger said. "Overall, I think when you see the quality of his performance again today, you see there are still some good deals to make out there.

"Kolasinac was decisive today because he scored and made an assist."

Wenger said he made a tactical adjustment at half-time to focus more on attacking down the left flank, as Swansea were focusing more on shutting down Hector Bellerin on the right.

"We had a bit more space on the left. We saw that and we wanted to take advantage of that in the second half," Wenger said. "So for us it was important to build up on the right and change quickly to the left and create some space for Kolasinac. And he did that very well."

Kolasinac then had to limp off in the 78th minute with what Wenger described as "a tight hip muscle." He said it was unclear whether it was a serious problem but didn't rule out Kolasinac being available for the crucial trip to league leaders Manchester City next weekend.

"It's a hip problem, a tight muscle in his hip. How long will he be out? I don't know," Wenger said. "We hope to get him fit for next Sunday."

Wenger also congratulated England's Under-17 team for their World Cup final win over Spain, as they joined the country's Under-20 team as world champions.

"I'm so happy because I'm here for 20 years and for 20 years we didn't do well with the youths," he said. "It shows as well that since they have restructured the academy work and dedicated a lot of work to that, you have the results.

"For once we can all have the opportunity to congratulate the FA. It doesn't happen a lot."

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