Martin Keown has told BBC One’s Match Of The Day that Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is not getting the credit he deserves in the Gunners midfield at the moment – after a superb display in his side’s 3-2 win over Manchester United.
A brace from Eddie Nketiah and a stunning effort from Bukayo Saka proved to be enough for the Gunners. Winning late on, Nketiah’s flick from close range cancelled out goals from Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez in London.
The lead at the top of the table has now been stretched to five points again. It had been reduced to two, after Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick for Manchester City to beat Wolves 3-0. Arsenal keep winning, it is as simple as that.
One of the big changes from last season – other than William Saliba coming in, Ben White at right-back – is Xhaka’s new role in midfield. Thomas Partey sitting has given Xhaka the license to roam, becoming an attacking midfielder.
The £100,000-a-week midfielder has had a hand in eight goals in 19 League games, getting an assist for Nketiah’s first. Keown was full of praise: “He roams in midfield. He’s not getting enough credit really, he’s difficult to pick up.”
Keown: Arsenal midfielder Xhaka not getting credit he deserves
It was another brilliant effort from Xhaka. His cross to set up Nketiah for the first goal is perfect. The ideal mix of pace and flight on the ball. His ability in transition is superb, showing Arsenal fans why he was signed so many years ago.
There are cases to be made for a number of players, in terms of being Arsenal’s best this season. Aaron Ramsdale, Will Saliba, Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka have all been playing at a level a title-winning side requires.
But as Keown says, Xhaka is going under the radar for his performances. With, and without the ball. His work rate, his ability to keep the ball ticking, the positions he picks up and mostly, his leadership as an old head among young lads.
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