The subject of Arsenal’s captaincy has been discussed a lot in recent months.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the honour in December following discipline issues, before having his contract at the Emirates Stadium terminated in January.
Earlier this month, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta announced that Alexandre Lacazette had replaced the Gabon international as skipper.
Aubameyang himself had succeeded another figure who had been stripped of the armband – Granit Xhaka.
And going by events in North London this afternoon, the Switzerland international is conscious of the fact he cannot wear it.
Unai Emery took it off Xhaka – a £30 million signing by Arsene Wenger – in 2019 and gave it to Aubameyang.
However, with Lacazette being substituted against Brentford this afternoon, Eddie Nketiah tried to give the armband to Xhaka after the French striker went off.
But according to The Sun, Xhaka refused to take it off Nketiah and it was given to Tierney instead.
Respect
Xhaka isn’t a fan favourite among many supporters of the Emirates Stadium club due to his erratic performances and habit for getting himself sent off.
However, this gesture – if true – illustrates that he certainly holds a major level of respect for the Arsenal captaincy and that, in turn, ought to result in him receiving a little more respect than he often commands from the fanbase.
Mikel Arteta’s troops won the game 2-1 to move one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two Premier League matches in hand.
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