Unai Emery defends ‘very important’ Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka

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Arsenal manager Unai Emery has called for fans to show Granit Xhaka more support, The London Evening Standard reports. Xhaka received a lot of criticism from the fans after his performance against Aston Villa and the decision to substitute him was greeted with ironic cheers from the crowd.

But Emery insisted the change was made to bring fresh legs onto the pitch. Arsenal had 10 men and some players were tired after the midweek clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. After Emery made the substitution, Arsenal turned things around.

The Gunners were losing 2-1 and had a player less when Emery put Joe Willock and Lucas Torreira on instead of Dani Ceballos and Xhaka. Late goals from Calum Chambers and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ensured Arsenal took all three points.

Emery on Xhaka

After the game, Emery addressed the fans’ criticism of Xhaka. He said (via The London Evening Standard): “My opinion is we need our supporters and we need our supporters helping each player.

“Today I changed him because he played 90 minutes on Thursday. I preferred a fresh player. But for me he is a very important player for us. He has a big commitment here.

“I am sure he is going to achieve the best things. We are professional. He is an experienced player. He knows sometimes we are criticised. We need to be mature and continue working. I am going to support him. He’s a good player.”

TBR’s view

Xhaka continues to be a divisive figure in Arsenal’s midfield. On his day, the Switzerland midfielder can produce a dominant display in the middle of the park. But he is prone to errors and many Arsenal fans would rather see other options.

Perhaps the reception Xhaka got when he was subbed off was unwarranted. But it certainly captures the fan opinion at the minute. Torreira should be starting in the next game instead.