Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Published: 6 August, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

FRESH from his Wembley winner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has warned rival defences that he doesn’t plan on stepping off the pitch without scoring, or at least getting an assist, every time he plays this season. 

The England international capped a man-of-the-match display with the winning goal on Sunday as Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to retain the Community Shield. His 13th goal for the Gunners was certainly a memorable one as he found the back of the net with a fierce drive into the top corner – surely securing a place in manager Arsene Wenger’s starting XI against West Ham this Sunday. 

Having enjoyed an impressive pre-season, Oxlade-Chamberlain is ready and raring to go – and wants to add to Sunday’s stunning strike. 

“I don’t know about ‘wonder goal’ but it was really nice to see that one go in,” he told Arsenal Player. “I got a goal in the Emirates Cup too, and it’s what I need to do more this year. I’m not afraid to say that I need to score more goals. 

“I’ve set myself that target this year on a personal level so every time I’m on the pitch it’s important that I try and contribute in some way and a goal or an assist is what I need to do. It was really nice to score on Sunday and as it was the winner it’s that little bit more special. 

“All-round we played really well,” added Oxlade-Chamberlain. “We didn’t play our best stuff with the ball, I think Chelsea deserve credit for that; they are a great defensive side and they stopped us from playing at times. 

“But we did enough, we defended really well as a team and kept them to minimal chances. 

“That’s really positive going into the new season because in the big games that’s what it comes down to sometimes. 

“I have absolute faith and confidence in this team and I think that can be shared throughout the squad. As a group of players we’ve been together for a good number of years, so there’s a real team spirit and sense of togetherness.”