Xhaka dedicates Newcastle United win to Kolasinac and Ozil

Switzerland international Granit Xhaka has dedicated Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United to Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac, who have recently been going through a difficult time. The duo missed out on the Gunners’ league opener due to further security investigations in relation to the car-jacking incident a couple of weeks ago.


Speaking to Sky Sports, Xhaka acknowledged that it has not been an easy period for the duo as well as their families and the team wanted to win the game for them, he said: "We know the story about Sead and Mesut. It's not easy for them or their family. So we tried to do our best and to get the win for them."

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continued his form from the previous campaign by contributing the only goal at St James Park and Xhaka praised the striker for the effectiveness in front of goal, he added: "We are so happy we have him because he doesn't need a lot of chances. Today I think he had two or three chances and he scored one. He's so good. He always helps the team when we need him."

The north London giants have struggled to win their opening games of Premier League seasons over the years and the victory over the Magpies should provide them with a boost, particularly with the game on the road. Elsewhere, they were also able to keep a shutout and that has already matched the clean sheet tally away from the home (1) from the entire 2018/19 campaign.

Next up, the Gunners have a home game against Burnley and the match should witness the return of several senior players to the starting XI. Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe are among those, who could be handed with starts after featuring on the bench at Newcastle due to fitness concerns.