Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka was in the thick of the action as the Gunners recorded an impressive 3-1 away win at Southampton last night.
The Swiss international provided the assist for Nicolas Pepe’s equaliser in the first half, before winning the ball back in the build-up to Bukayo Saka’s goal which put Mikel Arteta’s side 2-1 up.
Xhaka has been roundly criticised for some of his displays in recent seasons but fans on Twitter felt it was important to recognise the excellent recent performances of the Arsenal star:
I've been the first to criticise the guy but fair play, the respect for his turnaround. He deserves all the plaudits. GX ?⚪
— Shaun Greig (@Greig90Shaun) January 27, 2021
Credit where it is due
— RISHAB Bhatia (@RISHABB51452677) January 27, 2021
This guy have really been magnificent the past few weeks ❤️❤️
— Austine_cartier (@AustineCartier) January 27, 2021
Superb
— Stefan D (@PumpVision) January 27, 2021
He's playing good. Need that against ManU
— COVID-19 Ready to Volunteer ? (@odinaks) January 27, 2021
Midfield GENERAL?⚪
— god?? (@madida_jnr) January 27, 2021
He's been brilliant!
— Towers of Tierney (@TierneyTowers) January 27, 2021
?a very consistent and great player
— jonnie (@Jonny_kaie) January 27, 2021
He was really solid yesterday
— Gustav Ågren (@gustavaegren) January 27, 2021
The aggressive pressing which the Gunners employed at St Mary’s yesterday evening suited Xhaka’s game down to the ground and it will be hoped that he can keep up this level of performance when Arsenal face Manchester United this weekend.
His partnership with Thomas Partey will only improve in the coming weeks and that is an exciting prospect, considering the London club are already in great form.