Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has lauded Gervinho's impact as a striker.

The Ivory Coast winger has been employed in a more central role at times this season, leading to five goals in five games.

Wenger is pleased that the switch has had a positive influence but admits that Gervinho is not your typical striker.

"The thinking this season was to use his pace and quality of movement," Wenger told Sky Sports News.

"Of course you have to overcome a little bit of an obstacle that he isn't the traditional image you would have of a central striker.

"Gervinho has other qualities that are well suited to our game. Our game is based on movement and technical ability, both he and Theo Walcott have that."

The 25-year-old's form has come as a surprise to many around the Emirates Stadium, after he scored just four goals in his first season in London.

However, Wenger believes his hard work is playing off.

He continued: "He is not massive. He is not a guy who will go for high balls. He can only try, and I must say he has improved his finishing and it is working well at the moment."

Arsenal take on West Ham United tomorrow evening.