Matteo Guendouzi admits he's been surprised by his paying time at Arsenal this season.

The 19-year-old was a relative unknown when he was signed from Lorient in the summer.

He has since gone to make 33 appearances for the Gunners, and admits he did not expect to break into the first-team so soon.

He said: "Let's be honest, apart from the players here who follow a bit of the French leagues, no one had ever heard of me!

"So it was very important for me to show what I was capable of as early as possible. I had a chance during the pre-season tour and I took it. I showed I could be part of this team. I still didn't expect to play so much because I know I'm at a top club with great players.

"I'm a bit surprised that everything has been going so well. I've played well when I've featured. I think I showed that I could bring something to the team.

"I am very happy with how things have gone for me at the club so far and if I can keep playing as much in the second half of the season, it would be great."