Arsene Wenger has defended Andre Santos after the Arsenal full-back came in for criticism recently.

Santos has impressed going forward for the Gunners this season but his defensive work has been much maligned.

His recent performances led former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon to claim that Santos "cannot defend".

Wenger admits that the Brazilian does need to improve but is refusing to rein in his attacking instincts.

"He needs to improve on defending, of course. It's easier to give him that and go forward," said Wenger.

"They have a different perception of full-backs in Brazil than in Europe. But I believe he is much better defensively than people are giving him credit.

"He is still sometimes caught but in a one-on-one he is quite good and in the last 10 minutes at Chelsea he saved three or four goals. I feel it's an important part of winning - having a full-back who creates."

The 28-year-old joined Arsenal for £6m from Turkish side Fenerbahce during the summer transfer window.