Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has revealed that he dedicated his goal against Leeds to his wife, Leonita, on her birthday after the huge victory at the Emirates Stadium. The Switzerland international put the icing on the proverbial birthday cake late in the game as he scored the fourth to end the game 4-1.
A Gabriel Jesus brace either side of Ben White's finish ensured the side were in full control, though Rasmus Kristensen's goal for the visitors added some doubt to the tie. But it was Xhaka who ended the tie, ensuring the north London outfit restored their eight point lead at the top of the Premier League.
"When you think you are going to score, you score," Mikel Arteta said on the midfielder's current run of form. "And when you score one, you believe in the next one you are going to score. And when you score again, you believe in the next one you are going to score. Great finish, great run, great timing, so happy for him. They need to contribute with goals."
READ MORE: Arsenal on track to smash 'Invincibles' record as Mikel Arteta continues Premier League title run
With nine games left to go in the Premier League to get the side over the line and reach the title, there will have to be involvement from across the squad. Xhaka has certainly stepped up to do that recently, with his goals contributing greatly to the form the side are in.
After his strike against Leeds, the midfielder revealed that he had dedicated the goal to his wife, Leonita, on what had been her birthday. The former captain celebrated by blowing a kiss towards the stands where she was spectating and posted on instagram: "I promised my wife a goal for her 30th so I had to deliver today! Happy Birthday."
It shows the human element to this side, in an age where footballers are sometimes viewed as anything but that. There's plenty of character and motivation behind this Arsenal side that are stepping up when it really matters.
READ NEXT:
Who Gabriel Jesus hugged at full time as Trossard makes Arteta's wildest Arsenal dream come true
William Saliba, Ben White: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Liverpool clash
Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City in title race
What Arsenal players and Mikel Arteta did to Gabriel Jesus after Man City response vs Leeds
