Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hailed centre-back Laurent Koscielny for his Man if the Match performance in Saturday's 2-1 win over Southampton.

The France international scored a stunning bicycle kick son his birthday and also produced an assured defensive performance.

In the build-up to the Gunners' injury-time winner, the 31-year-old copped a boot to the face to his game and had to play the last few minutes of the game with a swollen eye.

"He is one of the most experienced players we have here," Wenger told arsenal.com. "He has been the longest-serving defender.

"He is one of our best players, and when I think about the squad when you pick a captain, you think of one with a good chance to play. If you never see the game, that's not easy nowadays.

"I believe as well he has committed to the club with a long contract and he has always improved every year. Today he was an outstanding centre back.

"What I like is that it was his birthday, and he gave himself a great present. As well, he doesn't score that when it is 4-0, it is when you are 1-0 down and that is his quality."