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How it feels to score your first goal at Emirates

Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates his goal against Rennes
Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates his goal against Rennes

Thursday, March 14 is a date that will live long in Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ memory.

Our No 15 headed home his first home goal in an Arsenal shirt against Rennes at Emirates Stadium, putting us in front in our Europa League last-16 tie. 

It was only the right wing back’s second for us, after scoring at Anfield in December. But he’ll certainly have fonder memories of this goal, as it helped the team to a superb comeback win.

“I can’t explain the feeling, honestly,” he said after the game. “It was a great cross from Auba and I just managed to be there at the right time to knock it in. The manager keeps telling me to get in the box for crosses when we play five at the back so that’s what I tried to do.

“It was a great feeling to go 2-0 up so early on in the game.”

It was the perfect way for the 21 year old to end an excellent few days, turning in another fantastic display just four days after impressing in the win over Manchester United.

“We’re just showing that we can do it,” he said when asked about our recent form. “We’re showing that we’re good enough as a team and that we can do it. We’re all fighting for each other on the pitch.

“The atmosphere at home has been fantastic. We need our fans to be behind us and we’re just showing our fans that we appreciate it by going out there and getting good results.”

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