Arsenal: Don’t mind Granit Xhaka, doing Granit Xhaka things

Arsenal were privy to another masterful performance by Granit Xhaka against Watford as he continues to dispel the old stigmas attached to him.

You’re probably wondering if I’m going to do this after every single Arsenal match. Or maybe you’re wondering if I’m even capable of doing this after every single match, but rest assured, I most certainly am.

And as long as Granit Xhaka keeps putting in these great performances, I’ll be right here to sing his praises. Hopefully, in time, my singing can be part of an ensemble and not just a solo, but for the time being, let’s get to it.

I was critical (see, I’m not biased) of Xhaka after his performance against Everton, and his inability to withstand the pressure that the Toffees put on him. Subsequently, I expected the exact same from Watford and they didn’t disappoint, the pressure was on, and Xhaka, in return, was ready to deal with it.

This was just another really, solid game from Granit Xhaka as he did what we expect him to do, with a little bit of added flavor. My co-expert Andy actually did the leg work on this first stat in the Player Ratings, citing that Xhaka made 99 passes, 65 of which went forward and 36 of which were in the final third.

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So to all of you that still use the expired argument that he only passes sideways and backwards, you can go ahead and choke on that one (again) because this isn’t the first time.

And, of course, Xhaka was fantastic in possession, spraying the ball all over the field, creating not just regular chances, but chances out of nothing. I’m thinking in particular of the long cross that was almost inch perfect to Nacho Monreal from something like 30-40 yards out.

Xhaka has laid the foundation of what he can do and is doing something that just about no other midfielder on this club has proven capable of doing – he is doing it consistently.

Even against Everton, when the pressure was on, he settled in and did his thing later on, passing well and breaking the defensive lines that stood in his way.

He has his drawbacks, as every player does, but with each performance he establishes what we can come to rely on from him and it’s nice to be able to rely on something.

Anyway, that’s my weekly praise piece for Granit Xhaka. See you next week.