Ox eyes Premier start

The 23-year-old winger scored a brace as the Gunners beat Reading 2-0 on Tuesday night to advance into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

The goals took Oxlade-Chamberlain's tally for the season to five, already his best haul since he moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2011, having also scored in last week's Champions League thrashing of Ludogorets.

But the England international has struggled for game time in the Premier League and hasn't started a league game since September 10.

Asked if his EFL Cup performances help his chances of starting in the league, Oxlade-Chamberlain replied: "I hope so. Any game that I play in is an opportunity for me.

"Whether it is the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup or the League Cup, it is all important. It is always good to get your confidence up and to try and play the way you want to play.

"Hopefully that form will carry into the league and be rewarded with more starts.

"Of course I want to play as many games as I can, especially in the Premier League.

"When I get an opportunity, whether it is the cup or the Champions League, I have just got to do what I can to help the team and try to knock on the door for a start in the league."