In all of the fallout from Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, the performances of Granit Xhaka has been the biggest talking point among supporters.
The Swiss midfielder has divided opinions, with some still sure that the player is ‘underrated’, despite a number of fans calling for him to be dropped from Emery’s side.
After he dominated the headlines for giving away a penalty during the derby, some have even tried to defend the player.
A number of Arsenal fans have responded with force to an article published by FourFourTwo, in which he was labelled as underrated.
@KahrimanovicNed was refusing to accept the claims after tweeting: “Dont defend him!!!!”
@laxe_pi was another supporter who simply couldn’t get on board with the suggestion, saying: “He thrives on the bigger stages? I’ve watched literally every game since he joined us. That’s totally false. He is not mobile, he’s not press resistant, every time you press him he’s shaking, His ability are clear, lol he doesn’t even use his “strength” nowdays.”
Despite comparisons to Jorginho and Ilkay Gundogan, @CountDraxula couldn’t agree, “Gundogan and Jorginho don’t lose their teams points on a consistent basis though.”
It was all too much for @jacobbold, who tweeted: “this is infuriating”.
Read Arsenal verdict
It must be said that there was more to the article than the headline suggested, but it’s easy to see why a number of Arsenal fans have hit back at the claims.
However, there are two things both these fans and Mark White, the author of the article in question have in common; frustration at the player not being maximised to the best of his abilities.
Xhaka continues to be given far too much defensive responsibility at Arsenal under Unai Emery, especially in big games like the derby last Sunday.
For as long as a player with a history of moments of madness like Xhaka is given such a role within Arsenal’s midfield, the Gunners are asking for trouble.
