Arsenal

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 'I'm capable of playing central midfield role'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 20 May 2013

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 'I can play in central midfield'

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain admits that he was pleased to get a chance to play in central midfield for the Gunners to prove he can play in the role.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was delighted that he was able to showcase a different part of his game during his side's 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

The England international replaced Mikel Arteta in the first half at the clash at St James' Park after the Spaniard was injured and played in central midfield for over an hour.

Oxlade-Chamberlain told the club's official website: "To be able to come on midfield is something I really look forward to doing and it was an opportunity for me to show the boss I was capable of playing there.

"I had to change my game and play a bit more defensive and screen [the defence] and show a different aspect to my game. I'm glad that I got an opportunity to do that today.

"The most important thing was that we didn't concede any goals and we kept it quite tidy throughout the game."

The victory over the Magpies secured Arsenal's place in the Champions League next season.