Once again, controversy has engulfed an Arsenal captain.
Arsenal needed a goal against Palace on Sunday. Concentration had been let slip and a 2-0 lead had been capitulated with goals by Luka Milivojevic from the spot and Jordan Ayew, both either side of half-time. Xhaka was replaced by Bukayo Saka for a greater offensive threat, but when the captain’s name was met with cheers, he cupped his ears as he walked, seemingly cursing at the crowd, as the cheers quickly descended into boos. It’s important to note that Xhaka walked slowly, which is understandably aggravating when your team is looking for a goal. The skipper took off his shirt and walked straight into the tunnel.
The Swiss international is a divisive figure for Gooners, and the reaction to the incident was the same on social media. Some jumped to his defence:
While others made their point of view clear – Xhaka’s actions means he should lose his position:
The Tweets of both viewpoints were numerous and Arsenal Fan TV’s viewership was high that evening. While it is Arsenal’s most pressing issue at this moment, no amount of debate will change the fact that failures of key leadership have led to this situation, and will mean that it’s going to continue far longer than it should. The Kroenkes have seemingly shown little interest in the fans and the football, specifically Stan. Director of Football Raul Sanllehi works his magic behind the scenes, wangling transfers, contracts and tactics. With the Board of Directors unlikely to make any serious changes until the end of this season, that only leaves one man who has to do the explaining.
Unai Emery, the manager, discussed the Granit Xhaka situation at his press conference today, before the Gunners’ away trip to Anfield this evening in the Carabao Cup. Of course, Emery opened by summarising his injury list ahead of clash, and stating that Mesut Özil will travel with the side, and there’s a good chance he will captain the XI, but Xhaka was of course the key topics on reporters’ and fans’ lips.
“He is devastated. He is sad about the situation… and really, he knows he was wrong.”
There was, however, no mention of an apology, both today or on Sunday. It’s been said that the club pressed Xhaka to give a statement saying that he’s sorry, but this was not realised. Emery admitting that Xhaka was wrong was a somewhat expected statement – he was never going to say the player was right and the fans were wrong – but if there’s to be any sort of line drawn under this situation, it’s fair to say that one admission of ‘being in the wrong’ may just help. Of course, the Arsenal fanbase sprawls all over the world, and there could be no individual that could say he’s forgiven.
What I’m sure the entire Arsenal fanbase would appreciate, however, is some backbone showed by Emery. If he is to relieve Xhaka of his duties as captaincy, then he must privately inform him first, then the first-team, and then publicise the information. Emery’s Arsenal squad took a vote in September as to who the new captain would be, and the fact that the central midfielder came out on top revealed his popularity with the squad. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it would be foolish if another vote or extended consultation was taken before making the decision whether or not to remove him, and then indeed who his replacement will be.
Should Xhaka be removed as captain, there are a number of suitable replacements with the Gunners’ ranks. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Héctor Bellerín, Alexandre Lacazette and Özil making up the five-strong ‘leadership group’ announced last month. After a strong run of form, Matteo Guendouzi has become one of the first names on the teamsheet, and has earned himself a call-up to the senior French side. Regardless of whoever is wearing the armband permanently when this is over, there’s one thing we do know – and that’s not only while Emery’s match strategy is hindering Arsenal’s chances, they can’t play confident and exciting football as long as there no serious rebuilding of authority from the top.
Shivam's blog 