Pain in the Arsenal
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3 standout Arsenal players from the 4-1 thrashing of Leeds

By Harry Dowsett

Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 1, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 1, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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2. Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka was on the scoresheet once again. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka was on the scoresheet once again. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

It’s now hard to believe that once upon a time, Granit Xhaka’s future at the club looked bleak at the very best. But, due in part to Arteta’s revolutionary thinking behind the Swiss international’s new role, and of course as a result of Xhaka’s determination, he has become one of our most important players. He is now a true number eight, and he is thriving.

The match against Leeds showcased exactly why he is so important in our current system. Not only did he score a fantastic header, courtesy of a sumptuous lofted pass from Martin Odegaard, but he also contributed defensively too.

The 30-year-old was solid alongside Thomas Partey, particularly in the second half, and provided the attack with the platform they need to do what they do best. Ironically, that is now an attack in which he is an important cog.

Arteta suggested after the match that Xhaka’s increased proficiency in front of goal is due to a change of mentality.

"“Yes, especially here [points to head] because when you think you are going to score, you score and then you believe in the next game that you are going to score.”"

He has now scored five Premier League goals this season and is one of the biggest assets in our squad currently.

Continued on the next slide…

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