Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Granit Xhaka: Arsenal star questioned for what he did after Palace goal - did you see it?
GRANIT XHAKA scored a stunning free kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace this afternoon - and he thanked his boss afterwards.
Arsenal's Rob Holding thanks aways fans after Palace draw
Arsenal were looking to extend their winning run in all competitions to 12 games when they visited Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace took the lead though just before half time through a Luka Milivojevic penalty.
But just six minutes after the break Arsenal were level, with Xhaka firing an unstoppable free kick from the right-hand corner of the 18-yard box to Wayne Hennessey’s right.
After scoring Xhaka, who was once again playing in a makeshift left-back role, went over to hug head coach Unai Emery.
He’s gone straight for goal there, the left-back, the makeshift left-back. That’s a beauty
Arsenal legend Alan Smith was co-commentating on the game and was full of praise for the strike from the Switzerland international.
But he wondered why Xhaka went over to Emery after the goal.
“He goes straight to his manager,” Smith said.
“What a hit that was.
"I thought he might hit it with venom but with an eye to getting a team-mate on the end of it.
“He’s gone straight for goal there, the left-back, the makeshift left-back. That’s a beauty.
“A little tip, a fingertip by Hennessey was not enough.
“Just the start that Arsenal were after to this second half.
“Why he’s thanking his manager I don’t know, but thank his manager he did.”
Sky Sports commentator Bill Leslie replied: “Trying to get into his good books perhaps?”
But there is no suggestion Xhaka is not in Emery’s good books.
The 26-year-old has started every Premier League game so far under the Spaniard.