Granit Xhaka, we’re singing your name

There is one particular player on the Arsenal team impressing me the most this season – Granit Xhaka.

Who would have thought the former Arsenal captain would now be hearing his name sung by the Arsenal faithful? But, indeed, it is happening.

Remember in early November, 2019, when Xhaka came off the pitch, threw the captain’s armband and gestured to the Emirates crowd in such an unprofessional manner that it looked impossible for him to ever comeback and survive wearing the Arsenal shirt?

Several times since that fateful day it appeared he would leave north London. Jose Mourinho desperately wanted the Swiss midfielder to join him at Roma. However, for whatever reason, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar rolled the dice and decided to keep Xhaka. I’m glad they did.

I haven’t always felt this way about #34. In fact, I thought he was one of the big reasons Unai Emery failed with the Gunners. When Arteta came on board, Xhaka was forced to earn his way back, not only with the manager, but also with his teammates, and with Gooner Nation.

He has done just that, and now he has become a fan favorite. Xhaka is leading by example on the pitch, he is running his socks off, playing box-to-box and scoring goals

The one-time King of the Red Card is again considered a team leader. It was great to see him wearing the captain’s band and leading the Gunners onto the pitch this past Sunday.

Congratualtions Granit Xhaka, you have regained our trust, our respect and our admiration as a person, and as a player.

Cheers.

Gunner1953