Xhaka: I’m happy in left-back role

GRANIT XHAKA says he is happy to keep filling in at left-back if it helps Arsenal win the Europa League this season.

The midfielder started in the role on Sunday for Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Sheffield United and he was asked to deputise again last night for the Gunners’ Europa League quarter-final second leg with Slavia Prague.

Xhaka put in a solid performance, helping Arsenal keep a clean sheet for the second game in a row as they won 4-0.

The 28-year-old has played at left-back before in his career but has never had an extended run there. Speaking after last night’s win in Prague, Xhaka said: “If we win the Europa League like this, I don’t care which position I play.

“Eeveryone knows it’s not my regular position. I try my best and in the last two games it was a good performance. If

I have to help the team there, I have to help. I will do everything for the team.”

With Arsenal sitting ninth in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s clash with Fulham, winning the Europa League is their best hope of playing European football next year. They have played European football every season since the 1995/96 campaign.

Last night, the Gunners raced into a three-goal lead thanks to goals from Nicolas Pepe, a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette and one from Bukayo Saka. By the time Lacazette grabbed his second goal in the 77th minute, the tie was well and truly dead.

“After the game at home, we knew we had to score the first here,” said Xhaka.

“The character of the team was excellent. To win here 4-0 is not easy but we showed over 90 minutes a great performance.

“The game plan that the boss gave us was excellent and we showed a big game. We deserved to go through after the two games.”