The name Granit Xhaka is back in the spotlight of Arsenal fans following the 0-1 defeat to Burnley in the 12th week of the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium, Monday (14/12).
Xhaka was accused of being the culprit for the Gunners’ defeat because he received a red card in the 58th minute, just as Arsenal were struggling to win at home.
The incident began when Granit Xhaka violated Dwight McNeill. The situation started to heat up after the players got into an argument, Xhaka was unable to suppress his emotions and choked Ashley Westwood
The referee did not hesitate to send a red card to Xhaka after reviewing the VAR. The decision was a loss for Arsenal, who actually dominated the match and only needed a goal to win.
Arsenal disaster occurred in the 74th minute after Aubameyang scored an own goal. The Gabon international striker scored on goal on his own after failing to spot Burnley’s corner.
The London Cannon team is working hard to find an equalizer through attacks from various lines. However, the long-awaited goal didn’t arrive until the match was over.
Xhaka returned to routine decorating Arsenal’s line-up when Mikel Arteta took the lead. Whereas previously Xhaka was on the selling list because he had a bad history with Arsenal fans.
Early last season Xhaka was frozen due to clashes with Arsenal supporters. The incident began when the Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace in Week 10 of the 2019/2020 Premier League.
Xhaka was withdrawn and replaced by Bukayo Saka in the 61st minute when the score was 1-1. However, Xhaka even took a leisurely stroll when Arsenal were struggling for victory, thus receiving cheers from the crowd in the stands.
Xhaka overreacted to the scorn. He put a hand on his ear as if challenging a fan and let out harsh words. He also took off the jersey on the sidelines and walked straight to the dressing room.
Since then Xhaka has rarely had a place in Arsenal’s squad. However, Xhaka regained confidence after Arteta arrived midway through last season.
The Swiss midfielder has even played regularly as a starter from the start of the 2020/2021 season. However, Xhaka tore back the trust that the coach and Gunners fans had given him through his ridiculous actions in the match against Burnley.
Xhaka’s red card was blamed for Arsenal’s defeat in addition to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s own goal at the Emirates.
