Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd: Granit Xhaka is the deserved hero

Arsenal took another giant leap towards the top four places as they had to dig deep to grind out a 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United.

With the season ticking down towards its climactic conclusion, the already thin squad Mikel Arteta has on his hands has been tested to the absolute limit. Players are fighting through the pain barrier, being brought in from the cold and even featuring out of position as the Gunners soul search for the results needed to secure Champions League football.

Constant throughout the process has been Granit Xhaka.

Losing Thomas Partey has already affected Arsenal. There is no denying that it will continue to do so as well over the next five matches. But in these testing times the senior members of this squad have been relied on more than ever. None more so than Xhaka.

Granit Xhaka is the deserved hero for Arsenal as his late goal helps seal a massive 3-1 win over Manchester United in the Premier League top four race

Whether filling in at left-back, playing as an advanced No. 8, partnering Sambi or partnering Mohamed Elneny, he’s had to find the inner reserves to thrust this team through the mire.

There is no need to rehash old stories. What has happened is in the past. The sole aim now is to finish in the top four and without Xhaka there would be no inkling of hope in that quest.

Leaving Stamford Bridge with a 4-2 victory leaned heavily on Xhaka’s contributions. His starring role in the game made the players feel safe. He made the fans feel safe. But three days later he’s repeated that terrific feat with an additional moment to savour. One that will mean the world to him. One that he deserved.

Arsenal were up against the ropes, way off their best and lucky to be holding onto a lead. Manchester United had rallied. They needed something from somewhere, no matter how unlikely the source. It came.

Slamming an unstoppable strike beyond David de Gea for his first Premier League goal of the season, Xhaka was mobbed by his teammates. That appreciation was a visualisation of that which the squad already have for him behind the scenes. This time the fans got to witness it firsthand.

But the special moment, the one he will cherish, was seconds after. When the team began running back to their positions, Xhaka turned. He embraced the North Bank as they championed him back. There was a smile, a few blown kisses, and a mutual acknowledgement. After everything he’s been through, whether one feels his previous actions warrant him this or not, you can’t deny him that snippet to savour of a grueling 95 minute contest.

At the end of it all it’s about winning the football matches Arsenal need to secure their targets this season. They won’t come close without Xhaka.

In the call for leadership, one man is heeding those calls.