‘Ball changed its mind and went another way’ – Arsenal fans say Xhaka’s mind-bending pass to Saka ‘can’t be real’

ARSENAL fans were left gobsmacked after Granit Xhaka completed a “stupendous” pass to Bukayo Saka during the club’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday.

The midfielder received the ball in the centre circle before playing a first-time pass out towards the right.

https://twitter.com/karthikadhaigal/status/1635160440882991104Xhaka sent a first time pass towards the right[/caption]

https://twitter.com/karthikadhaigal/status/1635160440882991104It looked to be heading in the direction of White[/caption]

https://twitter.com/karthikadhaigal/status/1635160440882991104But the ball curled the other way towards Saka[/caption]

But just as it looked to be heading in the direction of right-back Ben White, the ball suddenly curled the other way and fell perfectly to the feet of Saka on the wing.

It ultimately led to one of many Arsenal attacks at Craven Cottage.

And fans were quick to praise Xhaka for his clever thinking.

One person tweeted: “Like watching a game of snooker. Class act.”

Another added: “That was such a weirdly satisfying pass.”

A third commented: “Saka thought he had to go meet the ball, only to realise the pass was so good all he had to do was wait.”

A fourth said: “This can’t be real. That’s absolutely insane.”

And another joked: “The ball changed its mind and went another direction!”

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AlamyArsenal won the match 3-0[/caption]

But while many fans applauded Xhaka for the “incredible” pass, some insisted that the ball was intended for White.

One person argued: “I’ve watched this 5/6 times and I’m convinced he’s hit that to Benny Blanco and he’s got lucky lol. He looks at Ben and shapes for him. Not convinced.”

Another said: “As much as this was satisfying to the eye, I don’t think he meant it.”

And a third added: “Felt like he was hitting it to White then somehow it took a curve.”

Arsenal won the match 3-0 thanks to goals from Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners were handed a huge injury boost before the game with Gabriel Jesus cleared to return following a long spell out of action with a knee injury.

Jesus was introduced in the 77th minute of the match to replace Leandro Trossard, who made a shock return to the starting line-up following a groin injury.

The win saw Arsenal retain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.