Premier League: that’s what Granit Xhaka says about his dream goal against Chelsea

Xhaka after the goal of his dreams: “People talk and talk, but I have shown character”

What a return! Granit Xhaka returned to Arsenal’s starting lineup yesterday in the derby against Chelsea after three bans and led his team to a well-deserved 3-1 win with a great performance and a dream goal from a free kick.

The sense of accomplishment came at the right time, as Arsenal and Xhaka have had difficult weeks. Mikel Arteta’s team was in the last seven games without a win and fell to 15th place in the table. Xhaka did his team a disservice two weeks ago when he strangled an opponent against Burnley and announced defeat with his dismissal.

When he returned on Boxing Day, he showed how important the national team captain can be to Arsenal. Xhaka was the lynchpin in the “Gunners” game and was involved in every hit. The scene that led to the penalty before the 1-0 began with a wonderful change of ends, the 2-0 shortly before the break scored with a direct free kick from a good 20 meters. And also the attack, the Bukayo Saka 10 Minutes after the break, Xhaka had started after a skillful one-two to make it 3-0.

It’s no wonder Xhaka felt some satisfaction after the strong criticism in recent weeks. “Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Proud of our team tonight, ”he posted on Instagram.

In the interview after the final whistle, Xhaka went into more detail: “There was a lot of talk about me after the red card, people talk and talk,” he explained. “I was very disappointed with the red card against me and I knew I had done something wrong. But I have shown character and I am very happy that I was able to help the team today, “Xhaka said and promised:” I will continue to give 100 percent for Arsenal. “

It is clear who Xhaka was referring to by “people”. It is England’s countless television experts who always take it hard and tear it apart for every mistake. Anyone who would have expected praise for Xhaka’s good performance against Chelsea was disappointed. In their match analysis on the BBC’s “Match of the Day” program, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy praised strong wingers Kieran Thierney and Hector Bellerin in particular.

The focus of DAZN’s analysis was on Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. After all, Arsenal legend Ian Wright briefly commented on Xhaka: “As you know, granite is not exactly my favorite player. But this free kick was just fantastic. Today he helped the team and he always must. There was also some recognition from former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey: “Of course this is also a way to win back the hearts of the Arsenal fans. A great technique to throw the ball over the wall like that, ”he explained.

Xhaka received the highest praise from his coach Mikel Arteta: “Of course, granite sometimes makes mistakes, but we all do,” the Arsenal manager said at first, but added: “His will to fight for this club is out of the question. of all doubt. . He proved it again today. It always has since I’ve been here. That’s why I always supported him. “(Pre / sda)

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