Granit Xhaka issued an apology to his Arsenal teammates at half-time during the north London derby, according to reports.
The Swiss midfielder scored his side's third as they saw off Tottenham to claim the local bragging rights and retain top spot. Thomas Partey scored the opener before Harry Kane equalised from the spot. Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners back in front before Xhaka made the game safe.
Xhaka has endured a mixed time in the capital since moving to Arsenal in 2016. He's had his highs and lows but is currently revelling in a team flowing with confidence as his relationship with the club's fans seems to be at an all-time high.
The 30-year-old has taken on a leadership role having previously worn the armband, albeit for a short period, and he highlighted his willingness to shoulder responsibility at the interval. According to the Mail, Xhaka apologised for his role in Tottenham's equaliser, which was scored by Kane against the run of play, after he failed to clear his lines.
It was centre-half Gabriel whose lunge on Richarlison resulted in the spot kick, yet the midfielder accepted blame for his part in the build-up to the penalty. Xhaka would later atone for his error after slotting home once Tottenham had gone down to ten men.
The Swiss star has previously been close to the exit door but the faith shown in him by Mikel Arteta has been key in his turnaround. A transfer to Germany or Italy had been touted with the player crediting his coach for keeping him at the Emirates and helping him rediscover his form.
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Xhaka previously told the BBC : “He (Arteta) is the reason why I’m still at this football club. All of the club knows why I am still here, because three years ago I was gone. My suitcases were packed and finished, but I had a meeting with Mikel when he came. He wanted to hear my opinion about what had happened and I explained to him.
“I remember it exactly. I told him, ‘It has nothing to do with you’, because I didn’t know him and I never played with him. Obviously I knew his name, but not the person and I said, ‘I’m gone, I can’t wear the shirt any more’.
“He said, ‘Give me a chance for six months and if you are still not happy after six months, I’m the guy who will help you, not to run away, but you can leave’. I didn’t speak with family, with nobody, and normally I don’t do that. But I said, ‘OK Mikel, I will stay for you’, and I’m still here.”
