Arsenal: Granit Xhaka Proves Instability Was Never His Fault

March 18th 2017, West Bromwich, West Midlands, England, EPL Premier League football, West Bromwich Albion versus Arsenal FC; Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (Photo by Graham Wilson/Action Plus via Getty Images)
March 18th 2017, West Bromwich, West Midlands, England, EPL Premier League football, West Bromwich Albion versus Arsenal FC; Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (Photo by Graham Wilson/Action Plus via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s performance against West Ham was a return to fantastic form and Granit Xhaka was right in the middle, proving his worth all over.

Arsenal’s return to form against West Ham was the first wholly enjoyable match we’ve seen in quite some time. Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Gabriel Paulista were all in fantastic form and Mohamed Elneny‘s return was just delightful.

Related Story: 5 Things We Learned Against West Ham

But the controversial Granit Xhaka was the center piece of it all. Commandeering more touches than anyone else on the pitch, we saw a domineering midfield performance from him like never before.

Xhaka has had some strong performances with Arsenal, but none that were at this level. He was exactly what we signed him to be, did not get into any sticky situations, his passing was immaculate and his one shot was actually on target.

Which shows ability as well as confidence.

So what changed? Well, that should be obvious. Mohamed Elneny came into the side and gave Xhaka exactly what he needed in a partner.

With the Egyptian covering every inch of space imaginable while also being capable of pushing play forward, Xhaka was able to sit into his role and do his thing. And by do his thing, I mean be an all-encompassing pivot that was like a pin holding together the wheel around him.

The Swiss completed 90% of his passes, nine of his 13 long balls, and his only through ball. He created the second most chances on the team and he only lost the ball once. That’s all.

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Elneny only lost the ball once as well.

What we may have discovered, or better yet, what we have more proof of now, is that Xhaka has not been the problem in the midfield. Not at all. The problem has been his usage and who fits in next to him.

On his own, Xhaka’s game is pretty simple. Like a Xabi Alonso type, he passes well, doesn’t lose the ball, and can win them back every so often. Maximizing that should be a top priority and having the right partner does just that.

Xhaka has been criticized for his inability to become a player that he isn’t. He is criticized for his lack of defensive ability and for his slow pace, among other things, but that is all known. That was part of the package deal, and it was a pretty expensive package.

So what’s the point of expecting this guy to be all these things he isn’t when we see quite plainly how easy it is to keep him at his best?

Next: Arsenal's Potential Starting XI Under Diego Simeone

If you want the stability that Xhaka will provide and that this midfield should be providing, then use the model of what works to bring out the best in the Swiss. For right now, that is Elneny.