The £35million Switzerland global is yet to dislodge Wenger’s preferred central midfield pairing of Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin, but the manager is adamant he is capable of more.
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Arsenal came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League opener at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday night.
Speaking in an interview published on Arsenal’s website, Xhaka said: “I’m someone who needs that”.
“Marquinhos pushed me from behind and I don’t know how Verratti falls a second time”.
“He has the stature, the power and the strength”. We are cautious with him because I do not want any setback with his hamstring.
“We are in September and started in August so it has only been one month, very short”.
“There are many positive things [to take from the game]”.
“I’m a fighter too, and I think that’s a big advantage to have in the Premier League”. Even if they had a lack of efficiency, we are pleased to come back in this game. “(Xhaka’s) highly-focused – Elneny as well – they are top, top quality”.
“I obstructed Verratti, he threw himself to the ground and I don’t understand”. He has the engine to have an impact with his runs.
The Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling stake in the French club in May 2011, and have since financed a net spend of nearly £500m on transfers, but the return they crave – success in Europe’s premier club competition – has eluded them.
Arsenal overall were very lucky to get a point but grinding out results is not something I have associated with them over the past ten years.
“He’s done really well”, said Wenger.
That goal ensured a share of the points, although both teams had chances to win, with Ospina again thwarting Cavani before Areola denied Iwobi at the other end.
PSG went back on the attack 12 minutes later and they should have had a second when Verratti’s pass found its way to Cavani, who took the ball around Ospina, but sliced his shot wide with an open goal at his mercy. “He’s a real football man who has given some stability to Hull”.
“More and more clubs [alternate keepers]”.
“You’ve got Coquelin, you’ve got Xhaka on the bench”.
Arsenal could be without striker Olivier Giroud because of a toe injury, Theo Walcott is expected to be fit after a knee problem while Aaron Ramsey is still out but Gabriel could return at Nottingham Forest in midweek in the League Cup. He has been a bit behind fitness-wise.
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Arsenal played some slick passing at times and it was that passing that did help them get their goal.
