Arsenal vs Burnley: Granit Xhaka absence a supreme bummer

Arsenal may be without their captain, Granit Xhaka, against Burnley, but thankfully, this isn’t really the kind of match where his presence is necessary.

Here’s a fun fact: Arsenal are a better team when they have Granit Xhaka. If you can’t handle that fact, well, poo on you. Still, taking that fact into account, it’s a bummer to hear that Xhaka is a doubt for the home opener after putting in such a strong effort against Newcastle. An effort that, I’d argue, secured us the win in the end, or at the very least, alleviated the pressure of surrendering a late goal.

Of course I’d rather face Burnley with Xhaka than without him, but all things considered, if there were to be a match that we can stomach the loss of Xhaka for, this has then makings of it.

Not because Burnley aren’t a tough opponent. I’m sure they will be. And I’m sure Xhaka would make us better. But simply because of the circumstances of the match itself.

Xhaka is best suited for matches like Burnley. It’s when he really flourishes, but in the tough, gritty matches like we saw against Newcastle, he may not be “best suited” but he is necessary. Without him, it would get untidy and out of control.

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Going into a home opener after such a stunning summer, the Gunners are going to be so high on momentum that the lack of Xhaka (potential lack, I should say), doesn’t worry me as much as it normally would. We have Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira back. We have Nicolas Pepe ready to feature more. This is shaping up to be the first stage show of the high-flying Arsenal attack.

Such that, a little lack of control in the midfield isn’t going to be detrimental. Stick the energetic Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi in there and they’ll manage just fine. All they have to do is keep play moving forward.

The only reason I’m extra bummed about Xhaka not being there is, as mentioned, this is the kind of match he would thrive in. It’s exactly to his specifications and with his pinpoint passing, it would be an excellent opportunity for him to shut the haters up, at least for another week.

It’s a shame he won’t be playing, but it’s not detrimental to our efforts. I have just as much confidence as I would with him in the XI. But only for this one.