Arsenal: 3 positives of Granit Xhaka starting vs Spurs

3. Granit Xhaka Doesn’t Have to Complete the 90 Minutes

Clutching at straws?

Just because he starts the match on Sunday doesn’t mean he’ll have to finish it. Arsenal have three other central midfielders in the squad who can come into that area of the pitch (preferably not Mohamed Elneny) and the opportunity is there to return to the 4-1-4-1 and bring on another forward in his stead.

There is no doubting that Xhaka is a fitness monster who despite not playing for a number of weeks and being absent with COVID-19 is probably in tip-top shape. But no matter how fit you are or physically able you may be, nothing comes close to testing that like actual match fitness.

This isn’t just any match, either.

So much will depend on game state. If Arsenal find themselves in front then there is the chance for a more defensive-minded option whereas if it’s level or they’re trailingp then bringing on a Nicolas Pepe or Gabriel Martinelli with Martin Odegaard dropping deeper can come into effect.

How about a change of system with him acting as left-back to bring even more firepower to the final third? We jest. Don’t worry.