Santi Cazorla says he’s pleased Arsenal bagged their first win of the season at the weekend and that Arsene Wenger now has a number of quality options in midfield, including new boy Granit Xhaka.
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Following the win, Wenger admitted his relief but stressed that his players fitness levels will get better. The Gunners manager has started the England global in the first three matches and set up a goal for Alexis Sanchez in the north London club’s 3-1 win over Watford.
At Vicarage Road on Saturday, the Gunners raced into a three goal half time lead courtesy of Santi Cazorla from the penalty spot, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil with a ideal header on the stroke of half time.
WHILE HE DID not need much convincing, Shkodran Mustafi revealed he sought feedback from Arsenal star Mesut Ozil ahead of his move to the Emirates Stadium.
Discussing his pursuit of Xhaka, Wenger added: “We tried [to sign him] in December previous year”. For the first game of the season, with both their first choice centre-backs unavailable, the partnership of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers failed to contain Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Liverpool.
“He has a good engine, good stature, he is good in the air and has a good balance in his game, he has a good short ball and a good long ball”.
He already has experience overseas and that is reassuring.
Xhaka’s use of the ball was fantastic as Arsenal ran roughshod over the Watford defence, losing their clean sheet only when debutant Roberto Pereyra curled home after the ball had been bouncing around in the visitors’ box. “Defensively we had a good game as well and I believe when everybody is on board physically for 90 minutes, we have a strong team”, the Arsenal manager explained. It gives us a chance to get some oxygen and some space.
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“They are an internationally represented club and it was important for me to be able to make a step forward in my career”, the 24 year said.
