The last time Santi Cazorla played 90 minutes for Arsenal was in the 2-1 defeat to West Brom in November 2015, so Arsene Wenger was understandably pleased that the midfielder played the full game as the Gunners ran out 8-0 winners over Viking FK last night.
The Spaniard suffered a knee ligament injury in a game against Norwich, and has been struggling with an ongoing Achilles problem ever since.
Cazorla scored in the emphatic victory, but getting the 90 minutes under his belt was the real positive for the Arsenal manager.
“It’s the first time he’s played 90 minutes for a long, long time because he’s basically been out since November,” he said.
“He played the last game of the season and 90 minutes today. Let’s see how he recovers from that. Of course we need him back in good shape. He’s a pleasure to watch, especially when it’s a demonstration like tonight.
“He’s one of the few players that you don’t know whether they’re right or left footed. It’s good that he came through well.”
It’s a boost ahead of next weekend’s Premier League opener against Liverpool as Wenger has confirmed Mesut Ozil won’t take part, and the creative midfield role could well be filled by the 31 year old.
I’m really hoping he recovers well from his first 90mins (in what feels like forever!)
I love Santi and whilst being an absolute joy to watch, he just offers is something different and his close control is 2nd to none!!
Here’s hoping that he can play a major part in success this year
Well said, I couldn’t agree more. It’s hard because I want to see so many of our CM play. Maybe we could push Santi further up to challenge Ozil as I’m very happy with Coq and Elneny. Who would you start in the middle?
Such an important player for us. He had a great game yesterday. Linked up well with everyone. I hope he stays fit for the whole season.
COYG!
Santi performed very well. I think he will relish playing as our most attacking midfielder against Liverpool.
At least Carola got his 90 minutes successfully without any issues. I won’t be disappointed if he is rested and not played this Sunday. The real game for him starts next Sunday. Won’t be waiting long. I’m already excited!!
I love Santiiiiii
Who doesn’t?
The Viking Gods probably don’t like Santi or us at the moment, let’s hope they fight our injury Gods to keep them busy? 🙂
COYG!
Make him captain!
Make him leader of the free world!
Make him great again…
Awesome to see him back on the field. Also, those don’t look like dark blue accents on the away jerseys……is it the charcoal-ish that the first leaks had? Not that I’m complaining. I dig it.
That 90 mins will do the right footed/left footed, maestro some good.
The LITTLE MAGICIAN, the captain band looks good on him, i am also asking for him to be given the number 10 role, he is a master on passes and he takes shots at goal unlike someone i will not mention
I know this post Is about santi (please stay fit…drool) but am I the only one who thinks we ain’t gonna sign nobody this summer hereforth?
Boring
I’d say no.
His injury last season changed everything coz Wenger took too long to realize that Ramsey could not fill his gap. Until Elneny came in and helped in the middle of the park did we pick up.now the two combined well
I feel that that Cazorla should play along with Xhaka and Ramsey in the number 10 position till Ozil returns. It was where Ramsey flourishes and can be the best player on the pitch.
Santi Clause is coming to town
We lost the league when he got injured last season. We shall be better this season with a fully fit Santi.