How Granit Xhaka spoke for all Arsenal fans after draw with Slavia Prague

Granit Xhaka

How Granit Xhaka spoke for all Arsenal fans after draw with Slavia Prague

It's fair to say Granit Xhaka has had an 'on-off' relationship with the majority of the Arsenal fanbase since his arrival in North London in 2016.

But as the midfielder watched Tomas Holes sneak in at the back post to head home an injury-time equaliser and deny the Gunners victory in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Slavia Prague, he spoke for every fan watching at home.

As reported by Goal.com's Charles Watts, Xhaka was heard to say "just clear the f***ing ball away man", in reference to Arsenal playing themselves into trouble and conceding the corner in the first place.

It is tempting to suggest that only Arsenal would have somehow ended up conceding a leveller having had possession in acres of space with just two minutes remaining and it was the latest frustrating chapter in a season which has continually raised stress levels.

In truth, Mikel Arteta's side should not have been hanging on at the end in the first place. Alexandre Lacazette missed two big chances while Bukayo Saka - a standout player on the night - should have done better when played through in the first half.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, left out by Arteta, at least looked sharp when he came on and set up Nicolas Pepe to belatedly put Arsenal in front.

It would have been a slender lead to take to the Czech capital but at least it would have given Arsenal something to protect - the late plot twist means the misfiring and shot-shy Gunners must score next Thursday if they are to make it into the last four.

As ever, it was a mess largely of Arsenal's own making and there can be no excuses if the club tumble out of the competition - this is not a vintage Europa League last eight and it represents a realistic chance at silverware.

Thursday night's dismal draw showed what a big loss Kieran Tierney represents while Thomas Partey continues to flatter to deceive in midfield.

Alongside him, Xhaka made a solid return to action and his frustration was evident within his outburst at the final whistle.

A morale-boosting victory against bottom club Sheffield United on Sunday is now a must - defeat at Bramall Lane would only increase the growing malaise around the Emirates going into next Thursday's crunch tie.

Picture: Getty Images

Popular posts from this blog

What have we learned from Arsenal's pre-season so far?

Image
  Arsenal – what have we learned from pre-season? By Jack Lacey-Hatton It only feels five minutes since Euro 2020, but incredibly we are just one week away from the new Premier League season starting. Arsenal will travel to newly promoted Brentford for a London derby in front of a noisy crowd next Friday night, not the easiest of starts to the new campaign. But what sort of shape are Mikel Arteta’s side in, going into what could be a defining season for the manager? We took a close look at what we have learnt from the pre-season period and what kind of shape the squad are in.   The new signings are ready to go It has been a mixed transfer window so far. Some fans would have expected more both leaving and arriving at the Emirates stadium over the summer. But positives can be taken - Ben White has arrived from Brighton for £50million, and highly-rated full back Nuno Tavares has come in from Benfica. Albert Sambi Lokonga completes the 2021 summer singings so far. Cruc...
Read more

Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves

Image
Transfer Profile: Ruben Neves By Jonny Bray It is hard to believe that Ruben Neves is still only 25-years-old.   It feels as if the Portuguese international has been tipped for big things for nearly a decade now.  With the midfielder out of contract in 2023, it appears his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers could be coming to an end.  Understandably, with a player like Neves on offer for a reduced price, clubs around Europe are queueing up to secure the international's signature.  So, after all this time, should Arsenal move for Ruben Neves now, or is it time for the Gunners to turn their attention to a new target?  What would he bring?  Arsenal do not have enough defensive midfielders.  Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka give Mikel Arteta plenty of midfield options going forward, but the Gunners have been found lacking when out of possession this season. Thomas Partey has been in and out of the side due to injuries, a fact that has not hel...
Read more

Where will Arsenal finish this season?

Image
Where will Arsenal finish this season? By Alec McQuarrie Arsenal have made steady improvement over the last few seasons under Mikel Arteta. After finishing 8th in his debut season, the Spaniard oversaw a five-point improvement in his first full campaign.  And last year an eight-point leap followed, which was unfortunately not enough to pip Tottenham to fourth place.  Cruelly, the 69 points accumulated would have been enough to seal Champions League qualification in the previous two seasons.  Looking at the trajectory over the Arteta era, it would be fair to assume a continued improvement this coming season.  After all, with five signings already secured this summer and Alexandre Lacazette the sole first-team player to depart, surely fourth place should be a bare minimum expectation.  Oleksandr Zinchenko offers much-needed cover at left-back and competition for central midfield.  Gabriel Jesus is a proven goalscorer and brings a tireless work-ethic to fulfil...
Read more