Interview

Xhaka – I don't care which position I play

For the second time in five days Granit Xhaka lined up at left back, and just like at Sheffield United, he played his part in a victory and a clean sheet.

The stakes were much higher on Thursday though, against a Slavia Prague side that hadn’t lost at home for two years – a run stretching over 30 games in all competitions.

And as we took another step towards a possible European final, Xhaka said he is willing to carry on filling in at full-back if needs be.

“If we win the Europa League like this, I don't care which position I play!” he told Arsenal.com after the final whistle.

“If I have to help the team there, I have to help. I'm the guy who will do everything for the team. Of course, everyone knows it's not my regular position but with the team-mates, they help me and coach me as well, in front and behind. I'm so happy I helped the team in this position as well. I try my best and in the last two games it was a good performance.

“We had a very good game,” he added. “The game plan that the boss gave us was excellent and we showed a big game today. I think we deserved to go through after the two games.

“The character of the team was excellent. To win here 4-0 is not easy but like I said before, we showed over 90 minutes a great performance.”