Unai Emery praises Arsenal midfield duo Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira after Liverpool draw
Unai Emery singled out Granit Xhaka for special praise after Arsenal fought back to draw 1-1 with Liverpool at the Emirates.
James Milner put Liverpool in front, before a superb finish from Alexander Lacazette snatched a point for Arsenal and maintained a 14-game unbeaten run for Emerys side.
Lacazettes clever effort rewarded Arsenals resolute performance against potential title challengers Liverpool, and Emery was impressed by Xhaka, and his midfield partner Lucas Torreira.
I want, with each player to continue and hope we can do better, said Emery.
With Xhaka I am happy, because first hes a very good player, and he has a very good commitment for us.
He wants to improve, and I think he can improve. We want to continue with him to give him the time to improve.
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He added: Every player works a lot, and its very important for our balance that we have two midfielders like Xhaka and Torreira, because the balance in midfield is also important for our balance in defence and our balance offensively.
Theyre important tactically and also their commitment and their work, running a lot.
Xhakas emergence under Emery has earned the Swiss international plaudits this season and suggested the 26-year-old can be a success at Arsenal.
Fans have questioned Xhakas temperament and quality since Arsene Wenger signed the midfielder in 2016.
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But Emery has admitted Xhakas influence was almost as important as Lacazettes equaliser.
Lacazette may have fired in the goal, but at one stage Xhaka closed a five-yard gap to reclaim possession for Arsenal off Liverpools talisman, Mohamed Salah.
When you score its the best and most important moment in the game – but I also enjoy the small details, individual actions defensively, and offensively, Emery said of the tackle.
The sequence of every action in the pitch is, after the consequence if you can win or not win.
MORE: Bernd Leno praises Arsenal response after mistake for Liverpool opener
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