Granit Xhaka sends message to 24yo Arsenal star after 1-0 win vs Brighton

Arsenal extended their advantage at the top of the Premier League after a 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Gunners opened the scoring after just nine minutes through Bukayo Saka. The Englishman’s deflected shot was sufficient to secure the victory for the club.

Saka made his 300th appearance for Arsenal yesterday, and it was a memorable one for the 24-year-old, who has started to find form during the season run-in.

Shortly after the 1-0 victory, Saka posted on Instagram, highlighting his 300th appearance.

Several players responded to the post, including former Arsenal favourite and current Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka. The midfielder replied with a ‘heart’ emoji.

Here is a screenshot

Arsenal were far from their regular best against the Seagulls. There were multiple phases in which they had to defend deep, but they looked assured in their decision-making.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Piero Hincapie were phenomenal at the back. The duo won a combined 13 duels and made a staggering 26 clearances against the South Coast outfit.

Saka’s goal eventually proved the match-winner. The Englishman has now scored in two of his previous four league games and also provided a crucial pre-assist against Chelsea.

With the win, Arsenal have moved seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table after the latter’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest. The Cityzens still have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Saka is likely to get a much-needed breather when the Gunners face Mansfield Town on the road in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday. Noni Madueke should start on the right wing.

Madueke has been an unused substitute for the past two matches and only came on late against Tottenham Hotspur. He looks poised to make the starting XI this weekend.

After Mansfield, Arsenal will be in Champions League action against Bayer Leverkusen on the road in the first leg of the round of 16. The game is scheduled on Wednesday evening.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

The post Granit Xhaka sends message to 24yo Arsenal star after 1-0 win vs Brighton first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.