Mikel Arteta has done what Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery failed to do and make Granit Xhaka a success at the Emirates Stadium
Many factors have contributed to Arteta’s success in north London. The minor tactical tweaks and astute transfer business have been key. However, the astonishing development of one individual under his leadership has proved many wrong.
With the game level at 2-2, Emery replaced Xhaka with Bukayo Saka after an hour. Instead of following the normal procedure when leaving the pitch, the midfielder cupped his ears at supporters.
Arteta took his time to stamp his authority on Xhaka. His red card in the 5-0 defeat against Manchester City last season was the 11th of his career andcast further doubt on his future. After the incident at the Etihad, it wasn’t only the current Arsenal boss that was critical of Xhaka.
Wenger slammed his tackling ability. “It’s more the way he tackles that is not really convincing,” he said. It wasn’t the first time the Arsenal icon criticised the Switzerland international’s discipline. In 2017, Xhaka was sent off against Burnley and Wenger did not hold back. “I think he’s not naturally a great tackler,” the Frenchman explained.
“I would rather encourage him not to tackle, to stay on his feet and that’s the best way to deal with it.
“Tackling is a technique that you learn at a young age. You can improve it but when you are face to face with somebody, it’s better you stay up.”
In 28 Premier League appearances, Xhaka has only received four yellow cards and no red cards. Statistically, to the eye, it’s much better. But it’s not until you delve deeper into his numbers where you begin to see the clear progress he’s made.
According to the official Premier League website, Xhaka has won 77 per cent of his 26 tackles. Along with him winning more duels than he’s lost and making 120 recoveries, the former Basel man has significantly improved in the defensive part of his game – despite playing a more advanced role in Arteta’s style.
Xhaka is a key cog in Arsenal’s squad and he’s done an outstanding job at restoring his career in north London. Arteta has helped to establish Xhaka as one of the best all-round players in his position, something Wenger and Emery failed to do.