Arsenal: It Is Time To Rock With Granit Xhaka

Arsenal face some lineup questions ahead of the Hull City clash, but the biggest one has to be Granit Xhaka. Isn’t it time to rock with the Xhak?

Through five games, Arsenal’s offense has been offensive. Unfortunately, it’s been offensive mostly in the negative sense of that word—as in, feeble, ineffective. Facing a stout Hull City defense, it’s time to let go of Arsene Wenger’s fabled handbrake. It’s time to stomp on the accelerator… time to play some genuine Arsenal-like football: high-octane, creative, a joy to watch.

Related: Arsenal’s Predicted Starting XI

It starts with the starting XI. Hull’s offense is almost as stingy as its defense, so there’s no need to err on the side of caution. The Gunners have a wealth of technical skill and creativity, but it’s useless when it’s sitting on the bench.

When even one position is manned by a player less talented offensively than the alternative, it has a ripple effect. Ten minus one doesn’t equal nine. It equals about 8.5. Ten minus two is seven, maybe lower. It’s the old sum-of-the-parts thing.

OK, enough theory. Let’s name names. It’s a safe bet that Petr Cech will be in goal and the back four will remain the same. Hopefully Bellerin uses his pace and Mustafi his passing ability to add to the attack.

If the aim is skill and creativity—and I will add vision, a weapon often overlooked (so to speak)—then Mesut Ozil is the first name on the sheet. Despite the heavy workload, Santi Cazorla should be a given. Ditto for Alexis Sanchez. But where? Given his entire body of work at Arsenal, his play at PSG was not surprising. He is far more effective playing wide.

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If, as expected, Hull parks the RV in front of the net and Arsenal dominates possession, pace in the open field is not the highest priority. That gives Alex Iwobi the nod over Theo and Ox. If Giroud has a knock, my vote is for Lucas Perez up front.

My only reservation is his lack of familiarity with his new teammates. To break down Hull’s defense, Arsenal’s intricate passing game will need to be quick and precise. That’s a lot to ask of a new guy. But I still like Perez better than the alternatives.

That leaves one position: a partner for Santi. The choice seems obvious. Granit Xhaka has spent more than enough time sitting behind Steve Bould, wondering whether the man is a mute. From the day he signed, I’ve dreamt of seeing Xhaka paired with Santi. With Ozil ahead of them, the Xhakazorla duo just might be capable of writing a new chapter in Why It’s Called The Beautiful Game.

Next: 5 Players To Watch Against Hull City

Xhaka has already flashed the ability to see, and then execute, marvelous long-range passes. It’s too soon to gauge how adept he will be at making short, crisp ones in heavy traffic. But picture this: Hull’s defense is packed in, and Santi, Xhaka, Ozil, Iwobi, Perez, and Alexis are darting around, ping-ponging passes at eye-blurring speed. I like our chances.