A 5-star performance from Arsenal resulted in a 5-0 thumping of Norwich City, a wonderful commemoration of Mikel Arteta’s second anniversary as manager.
A Bukayo Saka brace along with goals from Tierney, Lacazette, and Smith Rowe ensured the 3 points for Arsenal.
Despite the impressive individual performances and sweeping attacks that led to the goals, the highlight of the match for many was undoubtedly Granit Xhaka’s showboating.
The Swiss international started alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield and while Odegaard took charge of the creative responsibilities, Xhaka simply didn’t have much to do.
Relegation favourites Norwich failed to string together any notable attacks, giving Xhaka and the Arsenal backline alike almost no defending to do.
And aside from picking up a booking in the first half, Xhaka had no standout moments.
The boredom eventually got to the 29-year-old and Xhaka who is usually a fiery, no-nonsense figure decided to revel in the air of effortlessness surrounding this Arsenal display.
The former Arsenal captain executed a manoeuvre associated with the likes of Ronaldinho and Eden Hazard, as he controlled a cross-field ball with his back and he then capped the moment off with a quick spin before striding forward to initiate an attack.
Gooners loved the nonchalance from a normally intense Xhaka, with the moment personifying the uncomplicated nature of Gunners’ performance.
Norwich City need to get relegated for this alone. Xhaka is probably the last player I’d imagine doing that. Man stealing souls out there with his 6-star skills 😂😂 #NORARS #COYG pic.twitter.com/b0L6vWJ2wa
— Abishek (@Vibi_Abishek) December 26, 2021
Xhaka controlling a ball with his back. This, this is football heritage.
— Spanish Gooner (@elspanishgooner) December 26, 2021
Lmao did Xhaka just unnecessarily controlled the ball with his back? 🤣
— FG (@FunnyGooner) December 26, 2021
XHAKA WITH THE RONALDINHO BACK CONTROL!! pic.twitter.com/aBJ5A72JKF
— G (@gustahvinho) December 26, 2021
Xhaka is probably the last player I’d imagine doing that. Hilarious
— Renato (@rehnato) December 26, 2021
Did anyone see Xhaka spin round and control the bouncing pass with his back?!?? HIS BACK?!? Taking the Fererro Rocher out of Norwich! 😂😂😂😂 @Arsenal #NORARS
— Jay Patel (@Jayp6181) December 26, 2021
xhaka when arsenal have a comfy lead https://t.co/ctywWwQJJf pic.twitter.com/ApAgb221HO
— triponé (@0eechi) December 26, 2021
Rangnick needed a penalty against a team who let Xhaka do this LOOOOOL pic.twitter.com/XA5riYVf31
— Link Up Arsenal (@LinkUpArsenal) December 27, 2021
