Martin Keown, after Granit Xhaka thumped a left-footed shot into the back of Tottenham Hotspur’s net during last week’s 3-1 North London derby victory, described the Swiss international as Arsenal’s ‘new fans’ favourite’.
Ordinarily, that would be an odd comment to make about a man who had spent six years at his club. But Keown was right. Xhaka, the once maligned midfielder, stripped off the captaincy following a total breakdown in relations with the Arsenal supporters back in 2019, is in the midst of a renaissance the likes of which top-level football seldom sees.
The Premier League’s Michael Keaton; that emphatic winner against Spurs his very own ‘Birdman’ moment.
Xhaka has started every single one of Arsenal’s ten games in all competitions too. He’s even captained the London giants on two occasions. Not even the most optimistic of observes would have forseen that while Xhaka was turning the air blue, storming down the tunnel during the infamous 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace three years ago.
Granit Xhaka’s form calls into question Arsenal’s Adrien Rabiot links
Adrien Rabiot should be under no illusions about the size of the task that would face him in the capital should Juventus’ France international join Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders in the New Year. After missing out on a move to Manchester United, TuttoJuve believe that England remains Rabiot’s most likely destination; Arsenal one of his admirers.
A left-footed, left-sided central midfielder, Rabiot scored a rare brace for Juventus during their 3-1 Champions League victory over Maccabi Haifa in midweek, from an almost identical position that Xhaka has made his own under Arteta.
21 trophies or not, it’s difficult to imagine the former PSG playmaker becoming anything more than a back-up, rotation option at Arsenal. Unless, of course, Xhaka was to endure a serious dip in form.
Something that looks increasingly unlikely with every assured, domineering performance from a man who has turned those howls of derision into adoring admiration. From unwanted to undroppable. From a symbol of Arsenal’s malaise to the posterboy of their revival.
“For me, Granit Xhaka is a player that we’re finally see play like he does for Switzerland,” Arsenal legend Ian Wright said on Match of the Day after the 30-year-old orchestrated that 3-0 thumping of Brentford.
“He’s playing in a position that suits him, playing more offensively. He’s playing with real authority and confidence. Lately he’s been able to find space and from there he can be really dangerous. Because, for me, he’s got easily one of the best left-foots in the Premier League.
“I’m really pleased for him because I was one of his staunchest critics. But now we’re seeing the best of Granit Xhaka.”
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