When Gabriel Jesus doubled Arsenal’s lead in Sunday’s victory at Brentford, the Brazilian was quick to express his gratitude to Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal's No.9 rolled out the infamous shoeshine celebration after his superb header had beaten David Raya, following an exquisite cross from the Swiss international. That was Xhaka's third Premier League assist already this season, a number that surpasses his assist total in each of the last four campaigns - and we’re only in September.
Jesus’ effort was sandwiched between goals from William Saliba and Fabio Vieira, helping Mikel Arteta’s men to clinch their sixth win from seven top-flight games this season. The result also meant a return to the top of the table for the Gunners heading into the international break.
Arteta will no doubt have been pleased with his team's display, but, it was another strong performance from Xhaka that stood out. He’s benefited from playing in a more advanced role this season, operating much more like a No.8 in a more proactive role than in previous seasons when he’s sat deeper.
Although we’ve seen glimpses of what Xhaka can produce in such a role when he’s played for Switzerland, his capacity to do so at Arsenal has often been overlooked. This season though, his impact has been clear.
Inside the final third, he’s consistently showing an ability to take up useful positions, is making well-timed runs and crucially, creating chances for his teammates, all of which are evident in the numbers. His overall touches have dropped from 68.2 per 90 minutes last season to just 53 touches per 90 this term, however touches in the penalty area are up from 1.74 per 90 to 3.29.
His average in terms of shot-creating actions has also increased. In each of the last four seasons, he was posting a combined per 90 average of 2.12, however it’s an impressive 3.69 so far this season.
Xhaka’s growing attacking influence drew praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright on Sunday night’s Match of the Day, where he claimed that the Gunners midfielder has “one of the best left-foots in the Premier League.”
“For me, Granit Xhaka is a player that we’re finally seeing him play like he does for Switzerland. He’s playing in a position that suits him, playing more offensively. He’s playing with real authority and confidence.
“Lately he’s been able to find space and from there he can be really dangerous because, for me, he’s got easily one of the best left-foots in the Premier League.”
The former striker continued by saying, “It’s a great cross for the Jesus goal, it’s fantastic. He can also do the defensive stuff, he gets back and get his foot in there.
“He set the tempo for Arsenal off the ball. I’m really pleased for him because I was one of his staunchest critics. But now we’re seeing the best of Granit Xhaka.”
Criticism has regularly been fired in Xhaka’s direction, particularly when the 29-year-old has been deployed as a holding midfielder. He’s obviously technically very strong, yet sometimes has lacked awareness of danger and a certain level of composure without the ball.
This led to too many occasions in which he lost possession in costly areas or committed fouls in dangerous locations - he’s picked up 53 yellow cards and four red cards in just 195 Premier League appearances. Higher up the pitch though, these frailties in his game are far less exposed.
Not just that, but he’s showing he can be a huge asset to Arsenal’s attacking play and is now looking like a player who’s been transformed.
