Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hailed youngster Thomas Eisfeld following his performance against West Bromwich Albion in the League Cup, labelling him as a similar type of player to Arsenal legend Robert Pires.

Eisfeld played in Arsenal's penalties win over the Baggies last night, playing in the number 10 role and scoring a goal to give his side a temporary lead in the second half.

"He is a Pires type," Wenger told the club's official website. "He appears to be in the box without being noisy and appearing suddenly. When he is there, he finishes well.

"He has that kind of quality that some midfielders have - not many. They have the timing to get in dangerous situations. When they have those dangerous situations, they are like snakes. They bite you to death because they don't miss their first touch."

Arsenal's win over Steve Clarke's men saw them draw 1-1 after 90 minutes, before the Gunners snuck through to the next round with a 4-3 victory on penalties.