WILLIAN’S ‘BEAUTIFUL GOAL’ A REMINDER

WILLIAN has admitted his first year at Arsenal has been “difficult” but the Brazilian has never lost faith in his ability.

The winger, 32 joined Arsenal in a surprise switch from Chelsea last summer as a free agent but on a bumper three year contract worth a whopping £220,000 a week. But the South American (left) has flopped and has come under fire from frustrated Gunners fans. Willian finally broke his duck with a superb free-kick in the 3-1 win over West Brom on Sunday to evoke memories of his glory days across London.

That was a rare highlight in a dismal season for Arsenal as a club, and for him personally, where he has failed to nail down a place in Mikel Arteta’s team

Willian, 32, said: “It was difficult, I’m the first to admit that. When I don’t play well I am the first to criticise me – and me and my family, we know how difficult it was for me this season. But I was never in doubt about what I can bring to this team – my quality, what I can do. “I finally scored this beautiful goal – and let’s keep it going.” Willian admitted that it had been difficult for the Gunners to pick themselves up after last week’s disappointment of losing to Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final. He said: “It was a difficult one to take, that result. We really wanted to go to the final. We did a great job against West Brom. We played very well from the beginning and we deserved the result.”

Emile Smith-Rowe (left) scored Arsenal’s first goal before limping off with a hamstring injury which Arteta hopes is not serious and will allow him to play against Chelsea tomorrow night.

Smith-Rowe, 20, has been one of Arsenal’s major successes in a troubled season and Willian said: “He is a fantastic player and he has a great future.”