Granit Xhaka has been impressed by Alexandre Lacazette’s finishing but says he’ll be really happy with the France international when he starts to deliver the goods away from home.
The summer signing from Lyon took his tally at the Emirates to four goals in three games with his match-winning brace against West Bromwich Albion but is yet to register on the road.
After yesterday’s 2-0 win, Xhaka not only bigged up the new boy but also touched on the momentum the club are building after a tricky start to the season.
“He’s an important player for us,“ the Swiss midfielder told Arsenal.com.
“We know his qualities and you can see that he’s ice-cold in front of goal. Now he needs to do the same away – then I’ll be really pleased.
“I think the game against Chelsea gave us morale and self-belief,” Xhaka added. “We gave a good performance [against West Brom], kept another clean sheet, which is really important for us and we’re satisfied with the 2-0 scoreline.
“I think with these fans behind us, we can play with freedom. At home we’re a force, you’ve seen that in the past and today, and we’re pleased to have won at home. We need to make sure we do the same away from home.”
Xhaka’s words were echoed by the boss, who is also pleased by his number 9’s adaptation.
“He has found confidence and I believe he is adapting quickly to the demands of the Premier League,” the manager told Arsenal.com.
“I think it’s quite positive. Now he has to score away from home, but he was unlucky as well away to Stoke I must say.
“Overall it’s a good sign that he keeps scoring at home.”
I must admit I was abit skeptical about Laca but he’s convinced me from the little I’ve seen. Also it’s good to have a penalty taker that feels you with confidence once he steps up.
Totally agree – both about the initial doubts and the impressive start.
Penalty taker who “feels” you with confidence? I present to you, Nwankwo Kanu.
Ref: This old arseblog article
https://arseblog.com/2012/10/the-indomitable-lion/
That Kanu story!???????
I agree too, I absolutely love it when I’m felt with confidence
Was good that Ozil wasn’t there to take any penalties.
Had a few doubts coming from the French league but my my my he’s serving up humble pie left and right. Long may the golasos continue.
Who would give thumbs down to the above comments?
Someone who is a huge troll
Let’s face it, trolls and orcs are distant relatives
On another note, I’m waiting for ‘By the Numbers’ for yesterday’s match.
Yeah me too.
Granit, you do realise that the three away games he’s played in were:
1. Stoke (notoriously difficult game for us, for some reason; a game where he would’ve had a goal but for his toenail being off-side);
2. Liverpool (sub appearance in a game we were getting battered anyway); and
3. Chelsea (the reigning champions and a team we’ve barely scored against for the last 3/4 years)
don’t you?
…plus, Chelsea being a team with France team mates or players who have come up against him in Ligue 1, like David Luiz (stuck to him like his life depended on it), he still did well missing a good opportunity in the process.
I think he’s done fairly well and if we’re having reasonable expectations then he’s on point. He’s owning the Emirates and that’s a great thing
Lacazette is doing fantastically well. Long may it continue. (Also promising link-up play with Sanchez yesterday.) It feels right.
Xhaka has quietly become less of a target in the eyes of the referees this season. I feel like by this point last season, he had already been sent off and had numerous bookings. Maybe Mustafi can learn a thing or two and finally stay on his feet!
Then give him good passes! His runs are wasted if don’t look up and spot it Xhaka. I am a bit miffed by Xhaka cuz I know he can do so much more
Xhaxa needs to worry about his own game…For someone with such a great left foot he gives the ball away alot…and badly…Not by just a bit. Also seems to struggle when he gets closed down quickly…Everybody can’t be Santi but he in particular has this problem/flaw in his game.