Santi Cazorla started his first Arsenal game since November yesterday, playing almost the full 90 in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
Knee and Achilles injuries have kept him out of action since November, but he showed what’s been missed with a good display and some incisive passing.
Pleased to make his comeback ahead of Euro 2016, the Spanish international said the day was made better by pipping Sp*rs to second place.
“It’s been a perfect day because not only was I back on the pitch, I was back in the starting line-up,” he said. “After being out with injury for so long I got to enjoy it again with my teammates, I felt good. In the end it was a comfortable victory and after Tottenham’s result it tastes even sweeter.
It’s true that at first it’s difficult in terms of getting to the right physical tone. I was away for quite a long time and the Premier League is very demanding in this regard.
“As the match went along, I was feeling better.”
Cazorla also had some words for departing Mikel Arteta, who announced his retirement, saying the club captain had played a significant role in his time at the club.
“We feel really grateful for him,” he said. “He’s been crucial for us and especially for me, as he’s helped me a lot since I got here. I only have grateful words for him and I wish him the best on his next football adventure.”
A spoonful of Santi makes the world a better place
Are we sure this is a genuine interview? He didn’t say ‘…no?’ Once at the end of a sentence.
Looking forward to the Cazorla dynasty at Arsenal when his son signs on… 😉
Would things have been different if Santi was fit all season? We’ll never know. But we do know that no player in our squad can play that CM role like he can. Genius.
That lot up the road complain that a couple of games without their star mid-man blew their 2nd spot. Imagine the last 6 months with Santi fit!
Match of the day was again making light of tottenhams embarrassment and more of Arsenals. As usual!
We’ve got to sign Santi’s kid to the academy. Has better technique than Henderson and Barkley.
Hoping like crazy for a Xhaka-Cazorla midfield duo come the start of next season. Actually never mind that, a midfield duo of; literally anyone, don’t care who-Cazorla would do me just fine 🙂
not ramsey
Quiet you.
Barton is available on a free, apparently.
Santi is going to look great hoisting that giant league trophy over his head next year.
Maybe he could actually crawl into it. 🙂
Adrian “Dumbass” Durham on his Drivetime show this afternoon, has just been making fun of Arsenal fans for celebrating our 2nd. place finish ahead of the Totts”. Also making fun of the Arsenal players for celebrating one of the goals, by running over to the bench and hugging Rosicky and other players on the bench.
What a Jealous and hateful idiot.
Why do people listen to that idiot? Or that station for that matter!
If he leaves, i might actually cry.
What an amazing player. He restores the balance we have been missing. Its all about partnerships. Coquelin struggled to find form paired with Ramsey where Flamini faired slightly better in a period without some of our top assets. We leaked 13 goals in 7 games with Coquelin trying to adjust to Ramsey and Elneny. The situation was somewhat solved playing two link players in Ramsey/Elneny instead but we were still porous (See City). With Santi back, Coquelin is a different beast. He was aggressive and strident because he knows the little Spaniard knows instinctively how to adjust himself positionally in… Read more »
His son Enzo is not bad too!
It made such a difference having him back. I do think, despite all our negativity about the manager and no signings etc, that if he and one or two others had not had such long injuries we might have done it. It was interesting seeing him grow in confidence and importance as the game went on, and when Jack went off and he moved forward he became even more influential.
We need 2 players as an added in our squads next season.
Sp*rs new Motto?
http://postimg.org/image/f73hklz9t/f50b2cca/
https://mobile.twitter.com/i/status/732354954766123008/photo/1
…best thing I’ve seen on twitter
I know Santi is getting on in years, but I hope he stays with the Arsenal for at least the next two seasons or maybe even more. He really makes our midfield tick.
Who is the next captain? Will it be per? I think we can all see he’s on an age decline, can still read the game well, but his pace has got even worse.
I think I wouldn’t mind seeing cech with it or even santi. Maybe it would do ozil some good to have some responsibility! Maybe we’ll have to give it to Sanchez to keep him.
I’ve written all that and it’s probably been announced already and I’ve missed the story lol
I’d have Cech for captain for the next 2-3 years. He’s the best suited considering his age and how everyone respects him at the club.
from skysports :
The Gunners would have won the Premier League this season if shots against the post or bar had gone in.
Arsene Wenger’s side finished the season on a high with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, which, coupled with Tottenham’s defeat at Newcastle, ensured they finished above their north London rivals in second.