Arsenal: Granit Xhaka reveals the action to realise his dream

Granit Xhaka has stated that he still believes Arsenal can catch Manchester City. It may seem like a pipe dream. And it probably is. But he also reveals what must be done to realise that dream, and it’s actually rather simple.

Before the start of the season, Arsene Wenger, somewhat bullishly, stated that he believed this current crop of players are capable of challenging for the title. That was a rather unpopular opinion. Few held the Arsenal squad in the same regard as the ever-positive manager.

But, irrespective of its accuracy, that is the goal that Wenger has set himself and his players. The public perspective, whatever that may be, does not determine the relative success of a campaign. That is calculated by the achievement of aims set by the manager, the board, and the players. In this case, a title challenge is the stick by which the Gunners will be measured.

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Unfortunately for them, then, after just 12 games, Manchester City, remarkably, have won 11, drawn one, and lost none. The whole Premier League, Arsenal included, are playing catch up. But is it possible to catch a team that is setting the searing pace that City is? Will they suffer a rough patch? Can the ground be made up? That is the question that was put to Granit Xhaka. He revealed that he, and his teammates, do believe that they can haul back the difference:

"“I think in football everything is possible. Manchester City, at the moment, are on a very good run, they’re doing very well and others have dropped points — which they haven’t done — but it’s conceivable that they could drop points as well. They might not continue as they have been. But our aim is just to focus on ourselves. We know we need to work and we’re convinced that we can compete at the top. I’m a person who thinks realistically but has dreams and fantasies as well. In football, everything is always possible.”"

Now, I am not here to either criticise or support the comments from Xhaka. We have not even reached December. There are still 26 games to be played in the Premier League. Certainly, Arsenal can catch City. Whether it is likely or not, though, is another question.

But what Xhaka did say that peeked my interest is in reference to what he and his teammates must do, and it has absolutely nothing to do with City. Xhaka states ‘our aim is just to focus on ourselves.’ And he is right. The Gunners cannot influence what happens in City’s matches. All they can do is win their own games and hope for a little help elsewhere.

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Whether Arsenal are back in the title race or not after Saturday’s win, I am not sure. Even if they are, it is nothing more than a speculative long shot. But, in trying to achieve the aims that Wenger detailed in the summer, they must not be distracted by what is happening elsewhere. They must be solely focused on themselves and their own performances. That is all that is under their control.

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