ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger believes midfielder Abou Diaby is finally delivering on his huge potential, to the point that the Frenchman has given the side an extra dimension in the middle of the park.

Diaby's progress at Arsenal since he joined the club from Auexerre for £2million in 2006 has been thwarted by injury but, after enjoying a regular run in the first team in recent weeks, there are plenty of signs that he is starting to mature into a dominant presence in midfield.

Wenger believes Diaby poses a significant goal threat alongside Cesc Fabregas, a point illustrated by the central midfielder's wonderful solo effort against Aston Villa on Sunday.

“He has played many games since the beginning of the season," said Wenger. "He looks to grow in stature and now he is dominant in the fight and he scores goals.

"What is very interesting in this shape [4-3-3] is that Diaby and Fabregas can both score goals. We have not one but two players who come out from deep and are good runners as well.

"They can come from deep positions and score goals."