Granit Xhaka is Arsenal’s formidable fix to an exciting problem

Cedric worked his way down the right flank, set himself up to cross and then whipped in a serviceable delivery for someone to get on the end of. Granit Xhaka was there in the Watford box, the furthest forward of any Arsenal player.

Seeing the Swiss in an advanced position is no longer such an oddity. Since his return to the side from injury against Everton in December he’s been steadily gravitating towards the opposition goal.

An upturn in form for the Gunners, which has seen them secure 25 points from the last 30 available, has coincided with the shift to a 4-3-3 shape, one that has come into effect since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang became no longer under consideration for selection.

As such, the link has been made: fielding Alexandre Lacazette over the former captain has been pivotal to the improvement of performances and results over the winter months. This has undeniably been integral.

Granit Xhaka is Arsenal’s formidable fix to an exciting, yet unsolved, problem with the midfielder performing superbly as a No. 8 in a 4-3-3

There are various intricacies of the change in system that have resulted in Arsenal being a more dominant side on the ball, one that creates more chances, squeezes the opposition and recovers and retains possession higher up the pitch. Having a hand in every facet of them, however, is Xhaka.

It’s a role that, in almost every way, is unsuited to him. He lacks mobility, athleticism, a specific technical profile and goal threat. Operating as a left-sided No. 8, even just a few of those traits would be beneficial.

Seemingly not. Mikel Arteta has, as he has so often done throughout his career, let alone this season, tinkered with his shape and approach to keep the opposition guessing and to develop his team collectively and individually.

And when Arteta does make alterations to his team, it’s Xhaka he trusts most of all to shoulder some of the burden. When Arsenal didn’t have a left-back last season it was the 29-year-old who moved into defence, both in Premier League matches and in Europe. On this occasion, Arteta is implementing his favoured shape and provided a player – with a skillset unlike that historically accurate for the position – with a role by all accounts he shouldn’t be prospering in.

Xhaka’s excellent consistency since his return from injury has played as much part in the top four charge as any other. He presses high, retains and recycles the ball in the left half-space, balances out the team, provides Thomas Partey with a passing option, and charges up and down the pitch with his unrelenting engine. With the space he creates coming infield it opens the avenues to Emile Smith Rowe, Martinelli and Tierney to run into, and all three of them have registered goal involvements since.

This isn’t a flawless solution. It isn’t perfect. For example, Xhaka played just one pass to Gabriel Martinelli in the 3-2 win over Watford, whereas Odegaard found Saka eight times in the first half alone. But then there is only so much to expect from someone providing a temporary fix who is having to dig into his reserves for the requisite qualities a No. 8 relies on.

It is very clear now that the summer’s transfer activity will rest heavily on finding the player to fill that mould. Xhaka playing there isn’t permanent. Arsenal need someone in that position who can run with the ball, not just pass it and chase after it. It’s an exciting proposition, as right now there are no certified options to play there other than an untested Smith Rowe. For the moment, while it isn’t a problem per se, it can be further down the long road of growth in this team.

For now, however, the importance of one indomitable Swiss midfielder mustn’t go unspoken. When noting the improvements in performances and results there are numerous areas to highlight, with Xhaka firmly one of them.