Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 key players to watch – FA Cup on the line

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Granit Xhaka
Arsenal, Granit Xhaka (Photo by Dave Thompson/ Pool via Getty Images) /

3. Granit Xhaka

When Arsenal were dismantled by a sumptuous Manchester City in the first match upon both team’s Premier League return in June, everything went wrong from the first minute. It all started with an injury to Granit Xhaka.

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Xhaka certainly has his limitations. He is far from the solution in central midfield. If Arsenal are to compete under Mikel Arteta, they will need to improve upon the Swiss international. And they will need to do so rather substantially. However, at present, his importance to the team is undeniable. And it was evident against City.

Arteta introduced Dani Ceballos from off the bench against City, forming a central midfield trio alongside Joe Willock and Matteo Guendouzi. The first 20 minutes were encouraging. However, once City hit their groove, they were given a lesson in elite midfield play, especially from Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva.

Whether Xhaka is able to stem the City tide is debatable. He has been present for many midfield lessons from City’s terrific creators, too, and he has invariably not been able to do anything to stop them. Nevertheless, he should offer a little more structure and security to the Arsenal midfield. And that is very much needed.