Arsenal: 3 positives of Granit Xhaka starting vs Spurs

2. The Xhaka & Partey Double Pivot is Effective

Before it emerged that Xhaka leaving Arsenal in the summer was even a possibility, the double pivot partnership with Partey that was formed showed very promising signs.

Partey never truly clicked into first gear in an injury ravaged debut season but in the angled pairing they found a rhythm and defensive stability that worked. It wasn’t perfect and the usual traits of Xhaka feeding Tierney down the left or dropping into the left centre-back role to aid progression did leave something to be desired, but it was solid.

When Xhaka didn’t play his absence was felt. Arsenal crumbled without his defensive screen as they became unstable and fragile. For all his faults, he undoubtedly brings a structure to the midfield from a defensive point of view. He is constantly barking orders and there is clarity of job job role.

Together they complemented each other and in no game was that more noticeable than this very fixture last season. That opening 45 minutes in which Tottenham scored with their only shot saw the balancing act in play with Partey slightly more advanced on the right and Xhaka switching the play with his usual accuracy.

While there are limitations to it, it helped Arsenal sustain pressure on that day. Can the ball be moved quicker through the third in fewer touches? Absolutely. Is it an elite duo? No.

But it does work and it’s by far the most experienced pair that Arteta can pick for a fixture of this magnitude.

Continued…