Quotes

'Surprise, surprise, I can score in the box now!'

Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka

When Granit Xhaka scores, it tends to be a screamer from distance - but he enjoyed his close-range opener against Fulham just as much.

The Swiss midfielder was pleased to get back to winning ways after the disappointment at Liverpool, and he says it is the "first step" on the road to recovery.

This is what Xhaka told the media:

on the importance of winning after the Anfield result...

Of course, it was not a good game for us against Liverpool. We started well there but after we lost 5-1. We know we have a lot we need to improve, and today is the first step.

on Fulham having some early chances...

We know they have a new coach, a good team and we knew that before but we were playing at home and we started well, we had some chances and scored the first goals and after it went to 2-1, there were a few nerves but we are happy to have the three points.

on scoring a close-range goal for once...

Yes, surprise, surprise, I can score in the box now! I am happy to be able to help the team and to take the three points, which is the most important thing.

on the result helping to improve confidence...

We can learn a lot from this team. We know Liverpool have a good team this year and we have a tough programme in front of us we play West Ham away and then Chelsea at home and we want to get in the top four.

on the importance of scoring a few goals...

Of course, it is always important for confidence, for us, the strikers and the defenders. We tried our best and we still have things to improve.