Arsenal: Granit Xhaka double-timed Mesut Ozil’s responsibilities

Arsenal were treated to a magnificent show by Granit Xhaka, who played two parts for the price of one against Chelsea in the FA Community Shield.

It was incredibly difficult to pick man of the match for Arsenal because, for as exciting as the match was, there were really only two candidates – the man with the goal and the man with the assist.

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In the end, given that I had them tied, I gave it to the man with the goal, but let us take nothing away from what Granit Xhaka was able to accomplish in such a crucial match and in the situation in which he did it.

For starters, his two usual midfield mates were out. There was no Aaron Ramsey pivoting play and rampaging all about the pitch. There was no Mesut Ozil playing the slick balls in for chances on net.

Instead, Xhaka had to play with Mohamed Elneny, the effort-master-general, and Alex Iwobi, who had his bit of razzle-dazzle, but didn’t create the chances needed.

In the end, though, Xhaka simply did it all. He played the holding role he always does while also playing as the Ramsey-style pivot, getting forward with the ball (and firing a masterful long distance effort that should have bulged the net), as well as the Ozil-style creator, delivering workable balls into the box. And the most workable of all ended up in as the equalizing goal.

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The numbers tell it all. Xhaka created more chances than any other two Gunners combined. In fact, rule out the two wingbacks, and he scored more than the rest of the team combined.

He completed the most passes, the most longballs and the most crosses and he only lost the ball one solitary time.

Oh, and not a single foul. So all you panickers out there worrying about his disciplinary record, go ahead and look at that record since the 3-4-2-1 came about and take a deep breath. There’s nothing there.

Xhaka was a masterclass, even without his usual partners in crime. Which bodes even better than we could have ever imagined. So much of any of our midfielders’ successes hinged on who their partner was, but if Xhaka can start to surpass that motif and deliver all on his own on a regular basis, then hello good times.

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There wasn’t an ounce of panic or anything on the Swiss midfielder. Kiss the doubts goodbye and embrace this wonderful year he is about to have.