Granit Xhaka supports Arsenal to deal with ‘pressure’ of double trophy hunt

Granite Xhaka believes Arsenal Get what it takes to compete for the trophy on two fronts.

The Gunners are up 5 points at the top. Premier League and it’s back Europa League They drew 2-2 at Sporting on Thursday.

He is leaving his last 16 games behind in a very balanced way towards the second game to be played at the Emirates Stadium next week.

Before that, Mikel Arteta’s side is facing something that could prove to be a tough ride to face Fulham on Sunday.

“Absolutely,” Xhaka replied when asked if Arsenal had the mentality to deal with it within the team, playing twice a week in pursuit of both local and European glory.

“You can see that every team plays differently against us. They drop a lot, sometimes they squeeze us too.

“But that’s what happens when you get to the top of the league – definitely a lot more pressure than before. But overall I think we’re doing well. I think there’s a good mentality in the team and let’s try to keep that.”

With their closest rivals Manchester City playing first, the top lead can be cut to two points before Arsenal kick-off at Craven Cottage.

Arteta made six changes in Portugal and Aaron Ramsdale, Thomas Partey And Gabriel Magalhaes He is expected to return against Fulham.

Still, there are question marks about the captain. Martin OdegaardHe went to Lisbon but missed the match because he felt bad.

The PA news agency learned that Arsenal initially planned to return on Friday after a light practice session in Lisbon.

These plans changed after an illness at the camp affected several players and the team instead returned to London on Thursday night.

Besides Odegaard, it is understood Kieran Tierney, Fabio Vieira And chief nelson also admitted low with minor symptoms.

Travel change is also Gabriel Jesus He did not go to Portugal as he was originally scheduled to board the plane to attend the Friday session.

As soon as plans were set, Arteta realized that there was no point in taking the forward to Portugal as he continued training before returning from knee surgery.

When asked if the return of Jesus was a boost for the team, Xhaka added: “Of course, getting Gabi back is much more important since we lost Eddie (Nketiah) as well.

“Leandro (Trossard) is also injured and can play in this position. Step by step, I hope Gabi will help this team 100 percent because we know she can help us. He is very, very important to us with his attitude and personality.

“You need a big squad. Of course every player needs to be in shape. But you can see that European football is completely different from the Premier League.

“We saw that on Thursday too. But we’re still together, the result is 2-2, no problem. Now we can finish the second leg at home.”