Arsene Wenger sounds very happy with Arsenal new boy Mohamed Elneny after the midfielder made his debut in this afternoon’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Burnley.
The Egyptian, who joined the Gunners in a reported £5m deal from Basel earlier this month, was introduced to the Emirates Stadium with 90 minutes in the 2-1 win.
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Elneny had more touches of the ball than any other player on the pitch (100), and completed 96% of his passes on what Wenger suggested was an impressive Arsenal bow.
After a result which keeps alive Arsenal’s hopes of a third successive FA Cup triumph, The Frenchman told the official website. “He became more adventurous. His mobility, his work rate was exceptional.”
Elneny’s signing was made to give support and cover for holding midfielder Francis Coquelin, who made his return from a two-month injury layoff against the Clarets.
Alexis Sanchez also made his first start of 2016 to give Arsenal a massive double fitness boost for the Premier League title run in. Wenger has revealed they both came through unscathed.
Wenger on @Alexis_Sanchez: “Physically, he is ready. He came back well.” #AFCvBFC pic.twitter.com/e8fFnDdqZz
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 30, 2016
Boss on Coquelin: “Today he looked quite comfortable, with no problems.” #AFCvBFC
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 30, 2016
Sanchez and Coquelin could both feature in Tuesday’s visit of Southampton, when a win could take Arsenal back to the top of the table. Elneny is most likely to be on the bench.
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