Ian Wright has praised Granit Xhaka for the performance he displayed for Arsenal during their 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The former striker added by saying that Xhaka’s performance ‘reminded me’ of what the all-action midfielder would produce in the colours of Switzerland.
When donning Arsenal colours, the £35 million player (BBC Sport) has always received a mixed reaction to the performances he puts out.
But, as he displayed at Euro 2020 last summer, including when Switzerland knocked France out of the tournament, he can look like one of the world’s best when representing his country.
Well, at Stamford Bridge, when Arsenal needed it most, Wright thinks Xhaka produced that for the Gunners, as he told Premier League Productions (20/04/22 at 10:10 pm).
“People like Elneny coming in and Xhaka playing like he was at the Euros,” said Wright. “It was brilliant.
“It was brilliant from Xhaka to put it through Alonso’s legs (in the build-up to Arsenal’s second goal).
“He played the kind of game that reminded me of when he was with Switzerland. And I mentioned progressing the ball to someone like Martin Odegaard because when he gets it into these positions (the final third). He hardly gets it wrong.”
In truth, for large parts of this season, Xhaka has been outstanding for Mikel Arteta.
He has probably been a bit of an unsung hero and he is going to be key if they are going to secure Champions League football.
After sending out a statement of intent by beating Chelsea, the club’s attention will now turn to Manchester United.
It won’t be a statement of intent beating Man United because they are in a right old mess, but that does then make the game more dangerous for Arsenal.
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