Arsene Wenger has admitted he has been as taken aback by anyone at Granit Xhaka’s long-range scoring exploits in recent Arsenal games.
Though the Swiss midfielder benefitted from a deflection off Chris Cohen to score the opener in Arsenal’s 4-0 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest Xhaka could not be blamed for having a go from all of 30 yards, having scored a goal from similar distance four days earlier in victory over Hull.
For Arsenal, who have often been criticised for their preference to unpick defences rather than shoot from range, a player with formidable accuracy from distance could be a crucial weapon, even if it is one that has taken Wenger by surprise.
“Honestly, not really,” the Arsenal manager admitted when asked if he knew Xhaka could score such spectacular goals.
“I knew he had a good shot. But he played very deep last year [at Borussia Moenchengladbach] and didn’t get forward a lot.
“But I hope that will give him the taste for more.
“It’s great for him to get confidence as well and to know that he can score goals.”
Xhaka did not start Arsenal’s three most recent matches before the trip to the City Ground and will face a fight to overhaul Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin – who are expected to start against Chelsea on Saturday – in Wenger’s affections.
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