Egypt’s Elneny wins first trophy with Arsenal

Ahram Online , Saturday 27 May 2017

Neny
Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny (R) celebrates as Olivier Giroud lifts trophy at the end of the Arsenal win over Chelsea - FA Cup Final - Wembley Stadium - 27/5/17. Reuters

Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny won his first title with Arsenal after the Gunners defeated Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The 24-year-old became the first Egyptian to taste glory at the oldest knockout competition in the world after Arsenal salvaged a disappointing season with a precious triumph.

He started on the bench before replacing in-form Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez in stoppage time, with Arsenal resorting to the tactic of keeping possession as much as they can to preserve their slender lead.

Elneny even had a good chance to score a third goal for Arsenal just before the final whistle following a breakaway, but he dithered on the ball to allow the defence to rob him.

The Egyptian international joined Arsenal in January 2016 from Swiss giants Basel and quickly adapted to life in the elite Premier League.

He was a key member of Arsenal’s side in the second half of last season and his only goal to date was a memorable strike against Barcelona in a UEFA Champions League last-16 clash at the Nou Camp.

However, he only played a bit-part role this season, making 14 league appearances and providing an assist. He also played 5 matches in the Champions League, dishing out another assist, three in the EFL Cup and two in the FA Cup.

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