Granit Xhaka’s season at Arsenal this year could quite possibly be turned into an Oscar-winning script.
Its had its extreme highs, and disheartening lows, and been one thrilling roller-coaster ride. The twists and turns of the Switzerland international’s campaign have been never-ending – just when you thought everything was all over, he rose from the canvas to make his triumphant return.
Following Laurent Koscielny’s acrimonious departure last summer – which saw him down tools and refuse to go on the club’s pre-season tour – Xhaka was named the club captain by Unai Emery after a player vote. The midfielder took on the prestigious Gunners armband, worn by the likes of Tony Adams and Patrick Vieira to name but two.
Was the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace built from a similar mould? Maybe not. After all, his time in England has seen him become a lightning rod for criticism from both Gunners fans and football pundits alike. The term ‘captain’ was perhaps seen as more of a loose description from those not privy to the confines of the dressing room.
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And then came the infamous ‘Xhaka-gate’ incident against Crystal Palace. The supporters’ fury had reached its breaking point, and so too did Arsenal’s no.34. Refusing to simply walk off with his tail tucked between his legs amid a barrage of unrelenting boos, the Swiss ace unfurled his own volley of expletives towards the Emirates faithful.
If he thought he could find some solace and comfort from his manager, then he was sadly mistaken. Emery may not have completely thrown him to the wolves, but he certainly didn’t give his midfield lynch-pin any adequate protection, instead admitting his actions were “wrong“.
Xhaka was promptly stripped of the captaincy, and was side-lined from first-team duties. Reports then emerged of how Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin were very much keen on ending his Arsenal misery, and taking him back to Germany. It seemed inevitable that things had reached a bitter end.
But Mikel Arteta’s arrival as head coach has flipped the script on its head. What looked like it was heading for Shakespearean levels of tragedy, has instead become a worthy chapter in the Rocky series. Xhaka was seemingly out for the count, and staring into the prospect of having a white towel thrown in to signal the end of his Gunners career.
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But Arteta’s powers of persuasion have revived the fallen midfielder, and he has become a huge focal point behind this new emerging era at the Emirates. Barring the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea that he missed, Xhaka has played and completed the full 90 minutes in every other Arsenal game under the new man in charge. Indeed, in the six Premier League matches he has played for Arteta, he has impressively averaged a match rating higher than seven, on four occasions.
Xhaka’s turnaround in such a short space of time has been remarkable to say the least. There is a new dawn in the red half of north London, and despite all the turmoil he has faced this season, he is well and truly in the midst of seeing the club rise once more.
Meanwhile, Arsenal swooping for this Premier League ace could be a smart move.
