Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sets personal goal target for upcoming season

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has set his sights on scoring more goals this season after his sparkling strike won the Community Shield for the Gunners against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.

Injury problems restricted Oxlade-Chamberlain to just 17 Premier League starts for Arsenal last season, along with six further appearances from the substitutes bench, and he scored just once over the course of the campaign.

After his impressive first-half strike gave Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a first win against Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at the 14th attempt, the 21-year-old expressed his hope that he can build on his flying start to the season.

"I'm not afraid to say that I need to score more goals," Oxlade-Chamberlain told the Arsenal website, as he reflected on his side's 1-0 victory.

"I've set myself that target this year on a personal level so every time I'm on the pitch it's important that I try and contribute in some way and a goal or an assist is what I need to do. It was really nice to score [on Sunday] and as it's the winner, it's that little bit more special."

Oxlade-Chamberlain believes a victory against the Premier League champions Chelsea was the ideal boost to Arsenal ahead of the new season, as he suggested the bond between an Arsenal squad that has been working together for an extended period will stand them in good stead in the months ahead.

"All-round we played really well," Oxlade-Chamberlain said as he reflected on the win against the Blues. "We didn't play our best stuff with the ball, I think Chelsea deserve credit for that, they are a great defensive side, and they stopped us from playing at time.

"We did enough, we defended really well as a team and kept them to minimal chances. That's really positive going into the season because in the big games that's what it comes down to sometimes.

"I have absolute faith and confidence in this team and I think that can be shared throughout the squad. As a group of players we've been together for a good number of years, so there's a real team spirit and sense of togetherness."

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