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3. Elneny’s intelligence and composure impress
Bagging a goal in the 50th minute was nothing less than the new signing deserved
Making your Arsenal Champions League debut at the home of the European champions is no small task – and less still when it’s in the heart of the midfield – but Mohamed Elneny’s performance at the Camp Nou not only suggested he was comfortable with the stage, but also that he could excel on it.
The Egyptian was never afraid to accept possession in difficult areas, producing some lovely turns to wriggle away from multiple assailants and help his team out when they needed it most.
It wasn’t just his comfort on the ball that stood out, but what he did with it next: his passing frequently broke lines and allowed Arsenal to get on the front foot, while in shorter, quicker exchanges, his movement invited a return ball and created space for others.
Bagging a goal in the 50th minute was nothing less than the new signing deserved, and his first-time finish on the inside of his foot showed that his good technique extends to his shooting.
This was a hugely promising showing from the Arsenal man that would have impressed any Barcelona coach watching, and will provide hope that he can help the Premier League side to step up a level in the middle of the pitch in the near future.