Arsenal's win against Huddersfield was less than convincing, and yet again the lingering absence of Granit Xhaka proved problematic.
For yet another match, Arsenal were without their central figure, Granit Xhaka. You wouldn't have thought that, playing against bottom-feeding Huddersfield, it would have been much of a problem, seeing as how it was the midfield that thrived against Manchester City, but that wasn't the case.
Against Huddersfield, the midfield, and really the entire team, was just unable to hold onto possession.
If it wasn't for some fantastic goal-keeping, some last ditch defending and enough attacking play to help the club limp over the finish line. But the announcers hit the nail right on the head during the match. No matter how well the Gunners attacked or defended in a pinch, they had zero control to actually hold the match at bay.
I know what Unai Emery said, that his team doesn't have control, or can't exhibit control, but he's wrong, and Granit Xhaka has proven that time and again.
And, in matches like this, when the midfield is so clearly unequipped to deal with the pressure, you see, in what we don't have, what we do have when he is with us. Like the ghost of Granit Xhaka is lingering about the pitch, reminding us what he could be doing with the match.
You may be thinking, “shut up, Josh, we've heard this before. Literally, after every match you're talking about it.” And you'd be right, I do. But I do it for good reason. Because you can't underestimate how important it is to control a match. And I mean actually control it. Like not flying back and forth from attack to defense but taking hold of a match and dictating the flow of the match.
Every time Xhaka is out of the match (Manchester United, Manchester City, Huddersfield), there is one obvious theme – bedlam. No ability to keep the ball, and a heck of a lot of surrendered possession and susceptibility to counter attacks.
So while Xhaka might still not be the best defender, in doing what he does, in holding the ball and not giving it away as soon as he tries to start a counter, he is giving the defense more than a straight up defensive midfielder would.
And don't worry. In case you forget, I'll be here to say it again next week when his presence or absence has such a effect on the match. I look forward to enlightening you again.
Runaeikpst
64
emry's team is shapeless ad has no creativity
numdlpr
42
there is a necessity to control the momentum of a team, a governor to control the throttle response or to engine brake the team to stifle the counter opportunities of the opposition. such conscious action within a team is a very rare thing at no point do i envision Xhaka in that roll, his limitations a restraint in itself sometimes it is fortunate but mostly unfortunate. someone said he is stubborn that is true, he is like the Swiss honor guard for the pope, they were once enemies now friends and guardians of the wealth of the world. Xhaka is Arsenal's phalanx a sharp object with a long reach and not very maneuverable that somehow nullifies most of Arsenal's glaring weakness at opportune times. unfortunately the team needs him inspite of his deficiencies. Arsenal is arsenal a stress free environment
lopacdkn
42
Well, I don't think I should disagree with the writer totally. Looking at the whole Arsenal squad under Emery so far , I don't think many players have done, or are doing, better than Xhaka especially defence wise. I don't expect so much of creativity from Xhaka because I know he's not made for that. The lack of quality in the entire squad is manifesting in the poor performance of some players we know have so much to give and Xhaka is one of those. Unfortunately, Arsenal have not been able to build a team that could bring the best out of players such as Ozil, Xhaka, Lacazette and even Aubameyang. I agree that, with the current Arsenal defence, Xhaka will always stand out tall, regardless he's slow and can sometimes take rash actions that could be costly.
wiuklostz
34
Granite Xhaka? BS!! You clearly misunderstand the concept of control! This individual has no such effect in any match. Before that he would need to understand and be able to apply the concept of knowing!! Knowing which side of the ball to be on when his goal is under threat. Note:: Granite Xhaka is always the wrong side of the ball in such instances. Then there's the art of taking goals. Granted he has the tools, but no idea of how or when to apply them, and he has not a coach in Unai Emery to school him! Both are imposters in the eyes of Football!! Granit Xhaka has the physical potential but absolutely not an ounce of the spiritual, he is an empty vessel paid for nothing. Arsenal can and should do far better!!