Arsene Wenger is tipping Emmanuel Eboue to blossom into one of Arsenal's key players after the Ivory Coast star finally erased the memory of his Wigan nightmare.

Eboue endured the humiliation of being jeered by his own supporters against the Latics at the Emirates Stadium in December and was later substituted - despite only coming on as a sub himself - during the match to avoid any further damange to his dwindling confidence.

That might have been the end of Eboue's Arsenal career but he continued to fight for his place and looked a reinvigorated character at the Emirates on Saturday as he scored in the Gunners' 4-0 win over the same Wigan opponents.

Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen scored twice before Eboue deflected in Eduardo's shot. Spain international Cesc Fabregas notched a fourth in stoppage time to complete the emphatic win.

Eboue, 26, is now enjoying a more advanced role in the Arsenal side and Wenger is confident the midfielder is beginning to show his potential.

"I believe Eboue did what you have to do in our job, which is to shut up, play and let everyone else talk while he produces quality performances," Wenger said.

"This is a job for strong people and you can respond mentally. The supporters are behind him again as he plays well and he plays with the right spirit.

"He is a sensitive boy and an extrovert, but he's a creative player. He plays in the position at the start as a defender, but he's a creative player.