Granit Xhaka’s enraged response to sarcastic cheers aimed at him in Arsenal’s feeble collapse against Crystal Palace has only embittered fans more, riling them up into demanding an apology from their captain.
The Swiss midfielder’s temperament and reckless indecision has brought into question whether he is truly befitting of the captain’s armband in this time of turmoil.
His ill-disciplined response to the torrent of abuse he received on Sunday only further reflected this sentiment.
Unai Emery has since suggested that Xhaka is “devastated,” not only by his actions, but the performance of the team over the course of this season.
Twitter:
“Xhaka is devastated, sad and very down”
@UnaiEmery_ addressed the media this afternoon… (@Arsenal)
Many fans, however, seem unimpressed by such rhetoric, with Emery also shouldering much of the blame for Arsenal’s dismal run of form and took to social media to ask for an apology from their captain…
Twitter: @Arsenal @UnaiEmery_ He has yet to apologize though, so he can’t be that sad about it. (@NeilMacArthur_)
Twitter: @Arsenal @UnaiEmery_ Where is his apology then? (@Braydenjwh)
Twitter: @Arsenal @UnaiEmery_ If he’s so devastated why hasn’t he apologised personally……. (@pjth10)
Twitter: @Arsenal @UnaiEmery_ Where’s his apology (@WeMoveAFC)
Read Arsenal’s verdict
Whilst many of the tweets displayed above condemn the actions of Xhaka and ask for an apology, the general consensus suggests the actions taken by fans was unnecessary and as much a part to blame.
It’s quite apparent that Xhaka is not a player capable of leading by example, but there can be no doubting his application.
Sunday’s outburst was merely a reaction to a build up of frustration stemming from a string of poor performances not only from himself, but also his teammates.
Xhaka has been scapegoated for far too long, and his error strewn displays are just a reflection of the fact that he should be sold in the near future and does not represent the future of the club.
Xhaka is more than indispensable but Emery has been brought in to build an identity at the club, one he has failed to do with Xhaka at the club and one that he will more than likely fail to do once Xhaka has left.
His reaction was unprofessional but Arsenal fans should realise that his days at the club are numbered anyways.
They should in fact begin to target their discontent at the fundamental issues preventing them from pushing towards European qualification.
