Fired up by new faces, says the Ox
Thursday, 7th August 2014
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, left, with new teammate Calum Chambers. Photo: @Alex_OxChambo
Published: 7 August, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT
WITH the new season just over a week away Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed that the Arsenal players have got “an extra spring in their step” following the club’s summer spending spree.
The Gunners face Premier League champions Man City in Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley before kicking off their Premier League campaign with a home game against Crystal Palace six days later.
The testing games are coming thick and fast for Wenger’s side, with a vital Champions League play-off also looming just around the corner.
The Ox, however, insists the north Londoners are ready for the challenge after the new signings gave the squad an important boost. “During the Emirates Cup I think you could see the boys were excited to get going,” he told Arsenal Player. “We know there’s a lot of exciting players around the squad this year. With the likes of Alexis coming in with Debuchy and Chambers – we’ve got an extra spring in our step. There’s competition for places and everyone wants to make an impression on the boss.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain got 45 minutes under his belt against Benfica in the Emirates Cup on Saturday – his first game for Arsenal since April.
He admits he found it tough going, but is confident that it won’t take him long to reach full fitness. “The first pre-season game back is always a bit tough on the legs and the lungs. I had a little injury in the summer at the World Cup, so I’m just trying to get back and it was nice to get out there.
“There’s more to come from me physically and once I get that, the technical stuff will come through.”
