Arsenal vs Wolverhampton: Give me Granit Xhaka or give me death

Arsenal’s midfield is hurting going into this crucial match against Wolverhampton, and I have no qualms saying that without Granit Xhaka, our fate is far murkier.

You can probably guess where this piece is going, so let me summarize it really quick before we go down a very familiar road. Arsenal need Granit Xhaka. They have all year. Without him, their midfield struggles to establish a presence. As such, if Xhaka is not fit to go against Wolverhampton, we are in trouble.

Want more? Good. Let’s chat.

Apparently, Xhaka is still being assessed prior to the match, but it’s expected that he will be good to go. This could not be any more important. Because with Aaron Ramsey out, and the noted insecurities behind starting Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi as a partnership, there is only one option to establish a presence in midfield – and that’s Xhaka.

We’ve seen what happens when Xhaka isn’t there, and it doesn’t even have to be a good opposing midfield to truly upset the balance. Crystal Palace’s midfield isn’t that good. Everton’s is pretty good, but still. Good enough to upset our entire set-up, though? Shouldn’t be.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

The difference is and will continue to be Granit Xhaka, and it’s a difference much like having Sokratis on the defense and not having Sokratis. It’s from a point of style. Torreira and Guendouzi and even Ramsey are all great in their own rights, but they are hyperactive midfielders who attack, attack, attack.

Just like how Mustafi and Koscielny and Mavropanos are all aggressive defenders. It’s Sokratis that balances them.

It’s Xhaka that balances the midfield. Without him, you have what we saw against Everton or Palace, with Guendouzi running around like a blind dog, vicious but directionless, and Elneny, just running around, because that’s essentially the extent of his powers.

Xhaka is the difference maker. If you’ve ever needed additional proof, just look at what happens when he ins’t there. I was just talking about this in regards to Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The proof is in the absences.

Wolverhampton have a strong midfield. Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho have been a fantastic partnership and without the right counterforce, they will run the game and leave us desperately snapping at their heels.

And this is why I say give me Granit Xhaka or give me death. Or, not really death, but it sounded catchier. Without Xhaka, this will get messy.