Arsenal: Just a casual reminder that Granit Xhaka is a hero

Arsenal held on to a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, but it wasn’t without help. Granit Xhaka became the hero, and I just want to make sure you know it.

Arsenal‘s draw against Sheffield United was disappointing for many reasons, not least of all because it was another draw surrendered from a winning position. Never a good thing. But it wasn’t without positive performances and heroics, and no one played the hero more than Granit Xhaka.

You may be asking yourself—”Why does this matter?” Or—”I honestly don’t care about heroes, I care about the result.” To which I say “Phooey!” Because what you’re actually saying is you don’t care about heroes when their name is Granit Xhaka.

Or something like that.

So Arsenal weren’t good in the first half. Sheffield United were unlucky not to come away with a goal to spot them an early lead.

One reason why is because Granit Xhaka, a man oft criticized for not getting back and defending, got back and defended. So far back, in fact, that he was the man who cleared a goal off the line, which is automatically an elevation to the place of hero.

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Say it with me—”Granit Xhaka, my hero.”

Good, now that that’s over (for now), let’s zip ahead to the 90th minute. Arsenal have forfeited their lead and Sheffield United look really eager to take another and make it devastation at the Emirates.

Granit Xhaka, a man oft criticized for not getting back and defending, got back and defended. So far back, in fact, that he was the man who stood in the way of a sure goal when a cross into the box found it’s way to the intended recipient, who ripped a shot at goal.

Granit Xhaka got in the way and denied the effort.

Say it with me—”Granit Xhaka, my hero.”

There were instances where Xhaka wasn’t at his best. He gave the ball away once or twice. But it never came back to bite us, so spare me all your silly criticisms.

Facetiousness aside, we really should be thankful for Xhaka. Because without him, this could have been so much worse. Rest assured of that.

It takes a certain type of person to be in the right place at the right time, not once but twice. And I think you know what I’m getting at here, though I won’t make you say it with me again. You can say it amongst yourselves.