Granit Xhaka tried to protect 25-year-old Arsenal man at full-time on Sunday, Arteta dragged him away
North London derbies between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have always been fiery encounters.
Tempers boiled over at the final whistle, with Richarlison and Aaron Ramsdale clashing.
A man has since been charged with assaulting Ramsdale after kicking the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Both sets of players rushed over to the Arsenal goalkeeper’s box to support their teammates.
Mikel Arteta attempted to direct the Arsenal squad to celebrate with their fans on the other side of the ground.
However, Granit Xhaka was seen suddenly turning back towards the commotion, before being dragged away by Arteta.
Many fans watching presumed that Xhaka was just trying to get back involved in the action.
However, a video from the crowd has now given a potential reason as to why the Swiss international reacted that way.
The reason Xhaka was dragged away by Arteta at full-time
The video shared on TikTok taken from the South Stand of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may explain Xhaka’s reaction.
It shows Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney being surrounded by Tottenham players as the rest of the Arsenal squad left the area.
The 25-year-old was only brought on as a second-half substitute, but was clearly incensed by what happened to Ramsdale.
Xhaka can be seen glancing over as he walks towards the away fans, and immediately attempting to turn back.
Arteta has to grab Xhaka and drag him away from the Tottenham players, not realising Tierney was still there.
Xhaka has always been a leader at Arsenal, despite having the captaincy taken away from him.
He was seen delivering a speech to the rest of the squad during the warm-up to the North London Derby.
Ian Wright has argued that Xhaka has been completely transformed by Arteta this season.
His new role in the side has allowed him to thrive in more advanced areas.
He’s also been tasked with filling in for Zinchenko at left-back when the Ukrainian sits in midfield.
Arteta will be glad to have dragged Xhaka away from any trouble on Sunday, but will be delighted that he was trying to stick up for his Arsenal teammate.
