Arsene Wenger hails Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his superb solo goal against Chivas de Guadalajara
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his wonder strike against MLS side Chivas de Guadalajara in Los Angeles. Oxlade-Chamberlain was injured and ruled out of the last few months of Premier League and EURO 2016. However, he has made a strong recovery and scored two goals in three pre-season games during Arsenal’s US tour. The Arsenal manager has reserved due credit for him, urging him to come back strong from the knee ligament injury.
Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the bench to replace Chuba Akpom and showcased his qualities with a sublime 50th-minute solo goal. He beat one defender and cut another with a change of pace followed by a back-heel into the box, only to slot the ball in the back of the net with a cool left-footed finish.
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In response to his outstanding pre-season performances, Arsene Wenger was relieved to have his young player motivated for the start of Premier League season. Speaking in a post-match conference, Wenger said, "It's a very important season for him. He has been out for a long, long time. He has been injured and did not go to the European Championship, like he should have done if he had been fit. That's why I'm cautious with him. I gave him 45 minutes [against MLS All-Stars], now 70 minutes [against Guadalajara]. I hope I can get him through and fit for the start of the season,” Wenger said.
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Arsene Wenger believes the 22-year-old is still to rise to his full potential, which if he does, will be seemingly difficult to point out a quality that he doesn’t have. The Arsenal manager continued, "He gives us power, penetration. He has it all, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It's difficult to say what he doesn't have – that's why I would like him to get to the level he can go to.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has made 149 appearances for the club since his move in 2011 from Southampton. He made 33 appearances for the club in the last season, although he scored just twice. Arsenal manager, however, seems to have understood what is lacking in the midfielder and suggested Oxlade-Chamberlain to overcome the apparent issue. Wenger said, "Maybe he doesn't completely believe himself how good he can be and that's the final step for him."
Oxlade-Chamberlain initially suffered damage to his knee ligaments in February in the Champions League clash with Barcelona, but a further injury in May ruled him out of England's Euro 2016 campaign.