The Togo striker took his tally for the season to 21 goals with a brace in the 3-1 victory against Manchester City at Eastlands.

It keeps the pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the table.

Adebayor has picked up the baton following the departure of the iconic Thierry Henry.

Wenger said: "Thierry is a world-class player and we do not forget him.

"To fill that void the way Emmanuel has is fantastic. He has made a big improvement this year and been remarkably consistent.

"I feel his movement off the ball has improved as has his finishing.

"He was not calm in front of goal when he first arrived but now he is composed.

"Not only does he score goals he plays for the team. He had a big impact on the centre-backs today and good centre-backs."

Wenger refused to be drawn on whether Adebayor or Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 27 goals, was a better player.

"I have a lot of respect for Ronaldo, " said the Arsenal boss. "But I am happy with the players I have.

"Ronaldo and Adebayor are different players. Adebayor is a real centre-forward. He has great stamina, is very strong and loves to play.

"For him to finish top scorer in the league is not important. It is important that the team wins.

"That's why I have asked him to focus more on his team performance.

"Overall there is a great understanding in the team. That makes everyone feel comfortable and where you see the best of the players."

Adebayor made the breakthrough in the ninth minute when his close-range effort took a slight deflection off Micah Richards.

Arsenal extended their lead 16 minutes later when Eduardo da Silva scored with a superb overhead kick after Adebayor had flicked the ball on.

However, City got a lifeline in the 27th minute when Gelson Fernandes swept the ball home from close range.

Arsenal, though, dictated the pace and Adebayor scored his second of the game with two minutes to go and end City's unbeaten home league record.

Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is still hoping to bring in Benjani Mwaruwari with the Premier League set to rule on the matter next week with Portsmouth involved in the process.

Eriksson said: "I expect a decision to be made either on Monday or Tuesday.

"We have to wait until then to see all the facts of the situation.

"I want him to come and I believe he wants to join us."

City's early season form has evaporated and Eriksson is rightly concerned.

He said: "Arsenal are a very good team but we knew that before the game.

"It was disappointing to lose at home for the first time this season.

"For us it is time to wake up if we want to play in Europe this season. It is far away at the moment.

"We are all angry. We need to start the game in another way than we have done recently.

"We were not aggressive enough. You cannot give Arsenal a two-goal lead and expect something from the game."