Arsenal: Granit Xhaka Put Victor Wanyama Debate To Bed

Arsenal’s draw against Tottenham was disheartening, but a few of the minor battles definitely went in the Gunner’s favor, namely Xhaka over Wanyama.

Before the match, everyone knew that Arsenal could end up top of the table or they could end up fourth. Leave it to friggin Arsenal to take that knowledge and end up fourth. Not fun at all. Although, for what it’s worth (granted, not much), the Gunners did win a handful of smaller battles. That won’t get us any more points, but it is worth pointing out.

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The main minor battle (if that’s a thing) was the debate between Granit Xhaka and Victor Wanyama. When Wenger dropped serious cash on Xhaka and the Spuds landed Wanyama for less than half the cost, naturally there was a clamor.

Spuds supporters claimed they got then better player and they got him cheaper, hip, hip hooray. Gooners claimed they paid more, but got then better player.

Initial returns were inconclusive, as neither has exactly taken off to super stardom. Xhaka has scored some stellar goals but Wanyama had found consistent playing time.

All was to be resolved when the two met at the Emirates for the first time.

This battle could not have been more one sided. Not only was Xhaka cool as a cucumber in an ice cream truck, he was just a better all around threat. In all matters.

Defensively, Xhaka was a sorcerer. He seemed to will opposing players to forfeit the ball to him. He managed nine total possession switches between tackles and interceptions while the ‘proven’ Wanyama only procured five.

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The Swiss tank also committed a whole zero fouls whereas Wanyama committed four.

Stats don’t say everything though. You have to watch the game to pick up on movement and overall contributions and there, yet again, Xhaka took the cake. He was making bold runs into the box, he was positioned nearly perfectly and he picked out some solid passes.

The only mistakes that Xhaka seemed to make were a few balls that he sent off a bit too heavily, one to the utter frustration of Alexis.

Still though, there was no comparison. Arsenal’s midfield signing far outdid the Spuds counterpart. Not only that, but in their only direct confrontation, Xhaka won out. A symbolic victory for the bigger victory that resulted in a draw.

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Three cheers for small victories when there should have been bigger ones. Like three points.