Arsenal vs Watford: Granit Xhaka, keep converting the doubters

Arsenal were a midfield masterclass against AC Milan and people are starting to notice what Granit Xhaka does. Let’s keep that going against Watford.

Arsenal’s match against AC Milan should be a shining example of what this club is capable of. A 2-0 win at the San Siro against one of the hottest teams in Europe and they did it relatively easily. They defended like champs, attacked with fluency and, most importantly, their midfield was a masterclass.

With Granit Xhaka as the deep swivel and Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey flanking him – a midfield combination deployed for the first time this season – it was clear just how positive this trio can be.

Ramsey and Wilshere were able to use their athleticism to create space around Xhaka, but it was the Swiss that drew the most praise.

Which is largely thanks to the fact that the majority of Arsenal fans are not sold on him and believe that he should, in fact, be sold himself. Slowly but surely, though, Xhaka has been proving his worth in the woeful displays of the club as a whole.

In four straight matches now, Xhaka has been one of the best performers on the pitch. His defensive output was superb against Manchester City in both horrific losses and, against Brighton, he was similarly effective and earned man of the match for the second time in a row.

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Against AC Milan, he played yet another different role and it was his most impressive yet. With the space that he had, he was a sniper, picking out the toes of his team mates and never showing an ounce of panic.

Defensively, he read the passing lanes, sat back and was that layer of defense that his position requires him to be.

It was an inspiring effort and, again, one that impressed more than a few doubters.

Watford provides another challenge. They boast an athletic, physical midfield, the likes of which figure to give Xhaka a good deal of fits. Depending on the Gunner’s own midfield set-up, Xhaka may be asked to play yet another different role. He has been serving so many roles these past four matches, from defensive mid to box-to-box.

Whatever the case, whatever is asked of him, he can continue to silence the haters and, trying to be as unbiased as possible, there is plenty of reason to believe that this should happen. For starters, the Gunners have started their usual late-season turnaround.

Next: 5 Key Players Against Watford

Not just that, but the midfield really seems to be figuring things out, which only serves to benefit the Swiss. Keep an eye on him. You will be pleased.

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