Michael Owen has stated that Granit Xhaka has got ‘real ability’ as he shone during Arsenal’s emphatic win against Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.
In the first half, Arsenal’s stand-in captain for the injured Martin Odegaard, provided the in-form Gabriel Jesus with a ‘lovely ball’, according to Owen on Premier League Productions (18/09/22 at 12:55 pm).
Xhaka already has three assists to his name in the Premier League this term, he is one away from matching his tally from the past two seasons.
That is largely down to the 29-year-old playing a more advanced role under Mikel Arteta, and given that freedom, he is thriving.
Even dating back to last season, the hard-hitting midfielder has been one of Arsenal’s best players and now he has a striker in Jesus to link-up with.
Owen liked what he saw from the duo at Brentford, as Arteta’s side sit at the top of the Premier League tree heading into the international break.
“It was a lovely ball from Xhaka,” said Owen. “I know this could have been prevented as well from Brentford. But Jesus just ghosts into that position.
“Xhaka has got some, hasn’t he?! He has got some real ability to play this ball in and Gabriel Jesus, he just peels off.
“I do question Ben Bee and his positioning. But once he gets in, it’s a lovely header and that is a man full of confidence.”
BRENTFORD NIGHTMARES WIPED AWAY
This was the opening fixture of the 21/22 season, and in truth, if Arteta had got sacked weeks later then nobody would have batted an eye-lid.
That’s when the former Manchester City coach was perhaps at his lowest ebb, but it just goes to show how backing a manager, both on and off the field, can pay off.
It’s still very early days for the north London club, but fans have a right to celebrate and feel like they can achieve the impossible this term.
After all, Arsenal have been through the mud in recent years, and all those drubbings, especially away from home, are slowly starting to fade away.
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