Arsenal: Both Granit Xhaka And Paul Pogba Falling Short

Before the year started, Arsenal and Manchester United argued over whether Granit Xhaka or Paul Pogba was a better signing. Now, they’re both falling short.

In the midst of the summer transfer window, there were various major signings that heralded a great wave of incoming world class players to the Premier League. Leading the line, among others, were two midfield recruits. £34 million Arsenal pounds saw Granit Xhaka move to London while Paul Pogba returned home for a world record £90 million.

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Given the profile of the players, the similarities in position and the rivalry between the two clubs, it was inevitable that comparisons would be made. Who had made the better buy? Who was the superior player of the two? Who was the greater value?

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Debates were had. Cases were made. Arguments erupted. However, perhaps none could have predicted the struggles that both have suffered during their first six months. Pogba was, in a rather worrying fashion, enjoying more haircuts than goals early in his time in England. Taking pot shots from all over the pitch. Failing to live up to the pressure that hordes of desperate fans piled upon his still young shoulders.

Xhaka, meanwhile, was unable to adapt to the pace of the game. He was sent off for a foul of Modou Barrow in the narrow win over Swansea City, nearly costing his side precious points, and although he scored a couple of stunning long-range strikes, never looked settled at the heart of the Arsenal midfield, especially when Santi Cazorla left the lineup with an ankle injury in early October.

Since then, both have enjoyed times of prosperity; Pogba was brilliant in United’s 3-1 win over Sunderland, demonstrating a beautiful blend of pace and power in a dominant display; Xhaka was instrumental in a short spell of sensational football in the wins over Bournemouth and West Ham, showcasing a wide range of passes with great precision and awareness.

However, in recent weeks the two’s weaknesses have again reared their ugly head. Pogba was awful against Liverpool on Sunday, a performance which brought many fans to the point of severe criticism in the aftermath, and Xhaka has continually struggled with dealing with a high-pressing, energetic midfield whilst giving away a cheap penalty early in the 3-3 draw with Bournemouth (the away fixture).

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Both, then, have repeatedly failed to live up to their expectations. Neither have fulfilled the hopes of their managers or their fans and are now facing the difficulty of overcoming what his, publicly at least, a very difficult opening period at their new (or returned) home. Both are falling short.