Explained: Granit Xhaka's goal celebration for Arsenal

Jacque Talbot

• 19 Mar 2023 11:59 CDT
• 3 min read

Granit Xhaka made use of his new celebration as Arsenal thrashed Crystal Palace 4-1.

The Swiss provided the Gunners’ fourth and final goal of the day, earning another three points in their quest to get their hands on the Premier League title.

Xhaka pulled off his right-hand celebration once more, as he wheeled off to the home fans.

READ MORE: Which football managers have been sacked this season?

His signature move became a talking point on Thursday night as he buried one against Sporting CP.

He opened the scoring for Arsenal and pulled off the celebration - but Pedro Goncalves trolled Granit Xhaka by mimicking it when he found the net himself.

The Portuguese side went through on the night after the 2-2 draw at the Emirates, but Arsenal fans were not happy with how the Sporting player mocked their midfielder.

Why does Xhaka use the celebration?

Though the celebration might be perceived as a way of mocking the opponent, Xhaka actually uses it as a tribute to his young daughter Ayana.

His wife Leonita Lekaj uploaded an image of her daughter pulling off the move while watching her father play on TV.

Xhaka dedicates his goal to his daughter

(via @afclovers_ ) pic.twitter.com/IWJpKLEyS5

— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) March 16, 2023

Xhaka’s goal helped Arsenal move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with a home victory over managerless Crystal Palace.

The Gunners, who haven’t won the title since 2003-04, went ahead thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's left-footed strike. Bukayo Saka then doubled the lead before Xhaka finished

Leandro Trossard's assist.

Palace pulled one back via Jeffrey Schlupp - Palace's first goal in five matches.

Then Saka sealed the win over their London rivals, hitting home from Kiernan Tierney's pull-back.

Manager Mikel Arteta said after the game: “The desire and the energy that we put in right from the beginning impressed me most.

“We were really determined and focused and left Thursday in the past. After playing 120 minutes, they have to come back here and do it again against a team with a lot of needs.

“Palace have not got the results lately but they have be very tough to beat. But we were dominant and deserved to win the game.”