Pundit issues ‘remarkable’ Granit Xhaka claim at Arsenal
The turnaround in Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal career has been “remarkable”.
That’s according to former Rangers and Scotland boss Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Xhaka’s importance to the Gunners.
The 30-year-old scored his second goal of the season in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Tottenham in the north London derby at the weekend (1 October).
The Daily Mail reported after the game that Xhaka even accepted the blame for Spurs’ goal in the dressing room.
In October 2019, Xhaka was booed off the pitch when substituted off against Crystal Palace and reacted by cupping his hand around his ear, prompting more jeers from the fans.
McLeish can’t believe how Xhaka has recovered his Gunners career.
“Arsenal are in dreamland,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Ben Wild.
“He has a really good young team around him that he has built up but he has some older heads in there as well.
“Xhaka is playing out of his skin. You wouldn’t have even thought that was possible a few years ago and now he is a very important cog in that machine.
“The way he has made himself so important to that side is remarkable and credit to him. Where can this team aim?
“I think a top-four finish would be good progress and another step in the right direction for them. I know they are top of the league but it’s all about progress.”
Xhaka also started as the Gunners beat Bodo/Glimt 3-0 on Thursday (6 October).
Arsenal are next in Premier League action against Liverpool on Sunday (9 October).
In other news, Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle on a £52million player contract.