4 interceptions, 3 tackles: Granit Xhaka stars in Arsenal victory

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Granit Xhaka continues to slip under the radar as an integral Arsenal figure and he was impressive once again during yesterday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham.

The Switzerland captain wasn’t necessarily expected to be the first choice during 2020/21. Thomas Partey’s arrival from Atletico Madrid and Dani Ceballos rejoining on loan both added competition.

Xhaka has proved himself undroppable, however, with a series of professional performances for the Gunners.

Yesterday he lined up alongside Partey in the middle of the park and helped Arsenal claim North London bragging rights.

Some statistics courtesy of Who Scored showcase exactly what Xhaka brought to the table yesterday.

He completed 94.3% of his 70 attempted passes, with four accurate long balls played.

Xhaka’s passing has never really been in question and some will point to the fact that a lot of those are pretty straightforward.

His defensive qualities are also showcased by the statistics, however.

Yesterday he made four interceptions and three tackles in the middle of the park, outshining Partey in both areas.

Of course, Partey is an exceptionally gifted player too but Xhaka’s story at Arsenal is perhaps more intriguing.

After a public act of petulance, after he was booed off against Crystal Palace in 2019, plenty thought his time at Arsenal was over.

Under Mikel Arteta, he has been reborn though and he’s thriving with regular football once again.

The 28-year-old earns around £100,000-a-week at Arsenal has been quietly going about his business during the current campaign.

Plenty of Gunners stars put in good performances yesterday but Xhaka’s form of late is worthy of note.