Just Arsenal News

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the best England players on the pitch yesterday for England. The Arsenal midfielder was always lively and looked the most likely to break down San Marino who often had everybody behind the ball.

The Ox has been impressive in the national side since making his debut in May. Last night was his eighth cap and he finally got the debut goal he was dying for. His dad had played eight games for England and scored on his debut, so there was a little family pressure on him last night.

Alex took his goal with great skill and calmness and you could see the immense relief on his face. With only one cup goal for Arsenal this season, I think the pressure to score was starting to affect the young man. Hopefully now he will start to get on the score sheet more often for the Gunners.

“It’s a relief to get the monkey off my back.

“I was plugging away, I was shooting. It wasn’t paying off in the first half but, luckily enough, it went for me in the second.”

Chamberlain scored four goals in his eight games with the under-21′s including a hat-trick and we know that he has the ability but maybe he needed that first goal to settle him down.

It’s a real shame that him and Theo Walcott did not get a chance to play together after the keeper’s awful challenge spelled the end of Walcott’s night early on. We should find out later today whether he will miss any games for Arsenal or if he is merely bruised, so cross your fingers Gooners.