Campbell's attitude saved his Arsenal career - Wenger

Arsene Wenger has admitted that Joel Campbell's ability to shine under pressure in the Champions League helped save the attacker's Arsenal career.

The Costa Rica international joined Arsenal in 2011, but subsequently spent time on loan at Lorient, Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal.

The Gunners have held onto the winger this season, though, and he has found playing time easier to come by.

Arsenal's disastrous start to their Champions League campaign left them on the brink of a shock group stage exit, but they were able to pick up six points from their last two games to book their place in the second round.

Campbell set up a goal in each of those games to send his side on their way and the coach admits it was enough to convince him to hold onto the 23-year-old.

"I always thought the attitude was there," he told reporters. "But in a game where we had a knife on our throats, he turned up with something special.

“It was great teamwork and a pass for Olivier Giroud on the second goal against Olympiacos was massive for us. That’s when I thought, 'He can play under pressure as well’. That is important for us.

“I flat out refused to let him go on loan again, because I saw something in him that gives you belief, because of his attitude.

“It is true he had players in front of him and you think, 'Can you block a player like that?’ But he was out on loan four times.

"He came back and you think, 'Do I let him go out on loan again? Let’s keep him until January'."

The winger has not been able to nail down a starting spot, but has come off the bench frequently this term and Wenger warned he must perform consistently to keep doing so.

“It is just down to your last performance, I have the choice on the flank between many players and he is one of the players who has come in at a very sensitive period.

“What is very interesting in Campbell’s case is that he looks like he has gained more confidence and authority in his game. Also in the final third he is a dangerous player and he has shown that.

“When you look at the player and the number of goals he scores and the number of assists, on that front you must say he has been very positive. He works hard for the team.”