Granit Xhaka showed his immense leadership qualities as the official Arsenal YouTube channel dropped some new footage from the 3-0 win against Sheffield United on Sunday.
Tainted history
It was back in October 2019 when Granit Xhaka’s relationship with the Arsenal faithful reached an all-time low. The Swiss was booed off the pitch as Unai Emery replaced the then Arsenal captain with Bukayo Saka in the 61st minute of the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Xhaka responded in a manner that saw him being stripped of the captaincy. The former Gladbach player threw his armband on the ground, raised his arms and cussed at the fans, ripped his shirt open and bolted down the tunnel.
Captain without the armband
A little more than a year after the ugly incident, Xhaka has redeemed himself and is currently one of the most important players in Mikel Arteta’s setup.
The 28-year-old continues to remain a leading figure at the club as seen in the Open Mic feature from the win against Sheffield United.
Granit Xhaka has been heavily criticised in the past, some justified but more often than not, quite undeserved.
The above video shows why he continues to remain a key player in Arsenal’s midfield. Barking out orders, advising when to take breathers and positioning others. Even without the armband, he’s the Arsenal captain out there.