• Premier League

Wenger hails Ramsey's maturity

Aaron Ramsey had a huge impact on his return to his former side © Getty Images

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Aaron Ramsey's latest two-goal masterclass, which drew rapturous applause from supporters of his former club Cardiff.

Wenger's Gunners moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with an efficient 3-0 win against Cardiff, as Ramsey caught the eye with another sparkling display.

The Premier League's form player of the season continued his superb run by turning in another match-winning display on his return to his former club Cardiff, with his refusal to celebrate his strikes being warmly applauded by his fellow Welshmen in the stands at the Cardiff City Stadium.

"Two or three years ago, we came here and he was not able to play his game and was impressed by the occasion, so it shows you how mature he is now," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"He played his game, does what he does usually and scored his two goals. You are always torn between being happy to score and happy you can win the game, but out of respect for the club where he was educated he didn't celebrate. Aaron rose to the occasion. It shows his maturity."

Ramsey, who is still the youngest player to have made a first-team appearance for Cardiff, toasted his second goal with a head-tapping 'Ayatollah' celebration favoured by Bluebirds supporters, which secured him another rousing ovation from the Welsh fans.

"It was a nice feeling for me personally to have a great reception like I did today," confirmed Ramsey after he notched his seventh and eighth Premier League goals of the season.

"Hopefully I gave something back to them with the performance I gave. This is where it all started for me and they helped me to become the player I am today. Hopefully I gave them some respect by not celebrating.

"I'm really pleased with the way the fans reacted. I've got a lot of respect for them. It is a moment I'll never forget. I showed I was not too happy with the goal. Hopefully they've seen the player they produced today. I'm sure Cardiff will have enough to stay up this season and hopefully they do."

Wenger went on to confirm confidence was high in his Arsenal side, although he did suggest a few of his players are showing signs of fatigue ahead of Wednesday night's game against Hull at the Emirates.

"There is very big satisfaction because we had control of the game in a place where many big teams suffer," he stated.

"We kept the concentration right and won with a convincing 3-0. Some legs were a bit jaded, but we found the resources in the last 20 minutes again. The confidence level rises every time you win and the solidarity level is quite good in the team. That's why we make results."

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