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Arsenal is having a pretty good season. The Gunners are flying in both the Premier League and the Champions League, having won seven out of nine games so far this season. They have only lost one game too, importantly.
For the Gunners this season, new names have shone. The likes of Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke have all had bright starts to the season.
In the background, though, the same old faces have been making it tick for Mikel Arteta. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both lead the goal contributions chart this season, at four contributions apiece.
That said, the Gunners are also watching on as players that Mikel Arteta discarded during his time as Arsenal boss are shining for their new clubs. At the start of the season, it was Nicolas Pepe, but now, a familiar face is potentially making Mikel Arteta regret his decision.
Granit Xhaka is sending a message to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal
Granit Xhaka has comfortably been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. The Sunderland midfielder was even nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for September, alongside Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal.
September’s top performers 💫
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 2, 2025
Vote for your @EASPORTSFC Player of the Month ⬇️
The Black Cats have easily been the biggest surprise package in the Premier League so far this season. Nobody would have saw it coming, even despite their big spending, that they'd be fifth in the table after six games.
However, it's always been the case that a team with Granit Xhaka as the heartbeat should never be written off. He proved it in his final season at Arsenal and his first season at Bayer Leverkusen. He is now displaying that yet again in his debut Sunderland season.
Arsenal fans still love Granit Xhaka. He didn't leave with any hostility, despite what happened when he was the captain. Instead, he left to a standing ovation, one that was fitting of the commitment he displayed to Arsenal.
There is every likelihood that Granit Xhaka will win the Player of the Month award. Relatively speaking, he absolutely should. Sunderland largely has him to thank for their complete turnaround, and it is far more impressive than anyone else on this list.
It seems weird to say, but Mikel Arteta probably does regret selling Granit Xhaka. He has actually improved since leaving Arsenal, which we don't think anybody saw coming.