Arsenal: 5 key players vs Manchester United in FA Cup

2. Granit Xhaka

So much of my pre-Chelsea chatter was about winning the battle in the midfield. With Jorginho seeking to establish control, Kante seeking to disrupt ours and Kovacic there to fill in any of then missing gaps, the Gunners had an answer. Granit Xhaka controlled better, Torreira disrupted better and Guendouzi filled in the gaps better.

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It was a midfield masterclass from the three of them, and I’d be surprised to see it disrupted, especially considering the presence of Paul Pogba, who, freed of the oppressiveness of Jose Mourinho, has been reminding the world that he is, in fact, one of the best.

Since Mourinho left, Pogba has managed five goals and four assists in six matches. Disrupting him is going to be a huge part of the plan, and part of that involves keeping hold of then ball so that he can’t touch it.

That’s where Xhaka comes in. He needs to protect the ball from a marauding Pogba and try to match the creative energies of his opponent, which he absolutely can do if you allow him to – but that requires the midfield three. Or, even better, the midfield four, if Ramsey completes the diamond-ish shape.

Lastly but not least…ly, No. 1.