Paul Merson criticises Arsenal fans who booed Granit Xhaka

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Paul Merson has told The Debate on Sky Sports (broadcast 23/9 from 22:00) that Granit Xhaka should not be Arsenal captain, but insisted that the fans should not have booed the midfielder off the pitch during their win against Aston Villa.

After a difficult afternoon, Xhaka was jeered by some of the supporters as he made his way off the pitch when the Gunners were 2-1 down against Villa on Sunday.

The Switzerland international has made a poor start to this season. He has already collected three yellow cards, and it appears that the fans are growing tired of the mistakes that he makes.

And Merson seemed to suggest that Xhaka should not be the club’s captain as he named three players he would rather see wear the armband.

“David Luiz has got to be captain, he’s a serial winner. Him or Aubameyang, or Lacazette. They’re the three for me. No-one else,” he told The Debate.

Despite believing that Xhaka is not the right man to captain Arsenal, Merson insisted that the fans were wrong to hit out at the 26-year-old as he was substituted against Villa.

“I had a bit of a go at Granit Xhaka the other week. But I don’t like fans booing their players. That’s not right. That’s not Arsenal. You’ve got to have a bit more class than that,” he added.

TBR’s View

While it may be harsh to criticise Xhaka in that way, it is no surprise that Arsenal fans felt compelled to voice their displeasure. The midfielder continues to make the same errors, so the supporters would be forgiven for feeling frustrated.

And it will be interesting to see if Unai Emery is tempted to make any changes. Matteo Guendouzi was outstanding for much of the Villa clash, and it appears that plenty want to see Lucas Torreira given a run of games in the starting lineup.

Taking Xhaka out of the firing line for the time-being could be best for all parties. And perhaps, it may prove to be an opportunity for a new leader to emerge and a different midfield partnership to really develop.