3 standout players from Europa League win against PSV

1. Granit Xhaka

Arsenal’s new creative attacking midfielder added to his goal tally on Thursday. While Granit Xhaka has always been a starter for Mikel Arteta, his output and overall performances have exploded this season. He has thrived in a new box-to-box role, being able to showcase his talent in the final third.

Faced with a team content to sit back and soak pressure, Xhaka was influential in and around the opposition’s box. The incision of his passing was tremendous and he showed some innovation in the final third.

His energy was present throughout the match as he led his team well. The midfielder’s goal was the highlight of an already stellar showing. Popping into an open pocket and striking with his weaker foot, that contribution proved to be the winner.

Xhaka has come on leaps and bounds and replacing him will be far more difficult than it may have seemed only a few months ago. All that is needed now are goals in the league to continue his push for the Golden Boot – wink, wink.

Arsenal dominated PSV from the first whistle but a lack of a clinical edge in the final third had supporters more nervous than they should have been. Despite the seemingly narrow margin, the London outfit controlled possession, created chances for fun and limited PSV to practically nothing. The Gunners will be looking to replicate this level of control away at Southampton on Sunday. Let’s hope they can do so.