Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed the transformation of William Gallas this season and says he could hold the key to the Gunners' title hopes.

The 32-year old France international was involved in controversy last season when he publicly criticised his teammates and lost his role as club captain but Wenger says he has bounced back in terrific fashion this season after fearing he would lose his centre-half.

"William has been amazing for the whole season. He does what you dream of as a manager - he does not talk and plays well!" Wenger said.

"Maybe it suits him not to be captain. But he wanted to do well as a captain. But what you respect in these situations is how well he responded when he was not captain anymore. He does the job fantastically well.

"At some stage I considered Gallas might leave, but he's learned that being appreciated is important. It's credit to him as he had the right attitude and regained his appetite for the club.

"We are getting stronger and stronger as a team and defensively. We look to give less chances away than two months ago. Alex Song plays a big part in that too and we will see how stable we are without him."