Arsene Wenger: Why I am not surprised Arsenal signing is playing so well
The Arsenal manager offers some reasons behind Henrikh Mkhitaryan's impressive form for the Gunners
Arsene Wenger insists Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s impressive form hasn’t come as a surprise to the Arsenal manager.
The Gunners completed a deal to sign the Armenia international in a swap deal from Manchester United in the January transfer window as Alexis Sanchez moved in the other direction to Old Trafford.
Mkhitaryan made three assists in a 5-1 win over Everton on his home debut at The Emirates but the new addition was powerless to prevent Arsenal from slumping to four losses in their next six games.
However, the 29-year-old got on the score sheet and made an assist in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Serie A giants AC Milan in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at the San Siro last week.
Alternatively, Sanchez has only managed to score one goal in 10 games in all competitions since linking up with the Manchester United squad following relentless speculation surrounding his future.
Speaking about Mkhitaryan’s impressive form ahead of the second leg against AC Milan at The Emirates, Wenger explained why he believes the January signing has been such a hit in the Gunners team.
“Yes he integrated very quickly,” Wenger told a news conference on Wednesday.
“I think it’s the way we want to play that suits him naturally. He has been well accepted and made good a adaptation.
“Players of his calibre, it helps he has been abroad before so he knows how to behave. ‘I am never surprised when players do well. It’s what I expect of them.”
Arsenal are in sixth place in the Premier League table and 12 points behind Liverpool FC, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
