When Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain decided to leave Arsenal in 2017, he did so in the hope of joining a club in a better position to win major trophies.Today, he’s returned to north London as a Champions League and Premier League winner.The 26-year-old started for Liverpool in their clash against Arsenal and was given a guard of honour by the team he spent six years at.Liverpool fans thoroughly enjoyed the moment, with some even joking on social media that he was named in the starting line-up so that he could take part in the gesture that the Reds’ opponents have performed in every game since the title was sealed.Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t been a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp this season - this was his 16th start in the league - but the applause he received from Arsenal’s players before kick-off is a moment he won’t forget in a hurry.
Indeed, it will serve as a reminder that he got it spot on when he chose to leave Arsenal three years ago. His move to Liverpool couldn’t have worked out any better.
There may have been some concerns at first. Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2017 while Liverpool were on a trophy drought that had reached five years.
"I know my choice might come as a surprise to many, and the decision to leave was tough after being a part of the club for so many years,” the Ox said on Instagram.
But he quickly established himself as a valuable player for Klopp and can now boast a Champions League and Premier League winner’s medal.
Given Arsenal’s fortunes since 2017, it was probably the best decision of his career.