Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has boldly claimed that Granit Xhaka’s performances this season have been a lot better compared to last campaign.
The Swiss international was one of our best players in the second half of last season. He played a huge part in helping us win the FA Cup, but he never quite gets the credit he deserves.
Xhaka has had his problems with Arsenal supporters but his performances have been extremely impressive. He had a tough start this season, but since Boxing Day, he has been one of our best players.
Arteta was asked about fans not fully appreciating Xhaka and the Arsenal boss admitted that the midfielder’s actions in the past are still not forgiven by a few fans.
He told Football London: “I think it’s more related, at least since I’ve been here and I know more about what happened in the past about the incidents you are talking about that have left some people disappointed or expecting a different reaction or not liking what happened.
“We talk about what happened this season in terms of performances and consistency. I think he’s even better than last season. Certainly, after the Burnley game, I think he made another step forward and he’s played because he deserves to play.
“On that left side, he gives you something that he has unique qualities to do that, considering as well the qualities we have in our left-back position with Kieran.
“We can tweak it and do it in different ways but it’s not only about his qualities as a player but the character and the personality that he brings to the team every time he steps in.”
Arsenal Insider’s view
Xhaka’s outburst against Crystal Palace is still on many fans’ minds. The Swiss international will be the first one to admit that he was wrong to do what he did, but the vile abuse he received by people who claim to support our club clearly pushed him over the edge.
We all know how a section of Arsenal fans can be on social media at times. Players and even their families are targetted by some people, and that always has an impact on their lives – both personal and professional.
Xhaka has grown from that incident in 2019 and it’s time for the fans who are constantly against him to do the same. He is an extremely important part of our squad and he needs all the support he can get.
He has been brilliant for us over the last few weeks and if he can continue to improve until the end of the season, Arsenal will end up in a respectable position and he will get the credit he deserves – from the real fans at least.
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