Friday 30 September 2016 21:15, UK
Granit Xhaka hopes the continuation of his blistering start to life at Arsenal can yield silverware in his debut Premier League season.
The Switzerland international has already endeared himself to Gunners supporters with a series of robust midfield performances following his £34m summer switch from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Two spectacular long-range strikes against Hull and Nottingham Forest have also helped the 24-year-old slot seamlessly into life at the Emirates Stadium, as well as helping Arsenal to an eight-game unbeaten run since their opening-day defeat to Liverpool.
Yet, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Xhaka refused to get carried away by his or Arsenal's impressive recent form, choosing instead to focus on the club's long-term aspirations.
"I'm happy that I've scored those two goals - don't expect me to give that every week - but what's most important is that the team play and perform well and that we reach our objectives," he said.
"We obviously want to have a consistently good season and show the fans that we're going to give absolutely everything in every game.
"Of course to do that we're going to need a bit of luck along the way but we're really going to give our all to have a successful season."
Asked how well Arsenal can do this season, he added: "It's probably too early to say but we're having a really positive phase and that's something that we're happy with.
"We need to do the same against Burnley on Sunday, we need to approach the game in the same way and make sure we go into the international break still in this positive phase."
I’m happy that I’ve scored those two goals but what’s most important is that the team play and perform well and that we reach our objectives.
Arsenal head to Turf Moor on Nissan Super Sunday looking to remain on the coattails of early pacesetters Manchester City, who travel to Tottenham earlier that day.
Already at this early stage, Arsene Wenger's acquisition of Xhaka has been viewed as a savvy piece of transfer business, key to the Gunners' forthcoming title challenge.
As a result, cries from the Arsenal faithful for reinforcements in midfield have now turned to chants of adulation, and Xhaka was keen to thank fans for welcoming him to London.
"I'm very pleased with the fans' support," he said. "It's been amazing the way they've supported the whole team and me.
"The fans are amazing, I'm really happy here at Arsenal and I'm going to do my best for this club.
"London is really nice and I'm really happy here but, of course, I've moved here to play football and not just to be in the city.
"I'm happy with how it's gone so far and I'm really satisfied with my first couple of months here and I'm enjoying being at Arsenal."
Catch Burnley v Arsenal live on Nissan Super Sunday from 4.15pm on Sky Sports 1 HD
And watch every minute of the Ryder Cup, plus Premier League football and the Malaysia Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price!
