Perception surrounding Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has changed over the course of the past few months. The midfielder has turned from hero to zero and back again more times than one can count during his career at the Emirates, but he has once again fallen back in love with the supporters.
"You've been amazing," The Swiss international said of the Arsenal supporters after a recent win over Brentford. "But as well for myself to hear what happened today, to say my name, to sing the song for me. It's a very, very special day and thank you again, see you soon. All the best guys."
The swing in outlook has come after a tactical tweak in how Xhaka has been utilised by Mikel Arteta in his current tactical setup. Rather than playing a deeper role in a double pivot alongside Thomas Partey, the 29-year-old has been pushed up the field to play a more influential role in the attack on the left.
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This move has already seen the midfielder match his goal involvements for all previous seasons in his career, while his numbers for key passes has already eclipsed every other campaign. The move has also seen a change in how influential he is in the transition and defensive sides of the game.
Because the deeper pivot - normally Partey when he's fit and available - is able to screen and is more involved in the defending, Xhaka as a result is picking up less cards. He had gained a reputation for doing so, with many claiming he would only get a booking or sent off from referees because of it.
He appears to be aware of it too, cracking a joke with goalkeeper Matt Turner in a club video, where the players are playing a game in which they have to guess what is written above their head with clues from the other person. Turner's said red card on it, to which Xhaka said: "I have two cards, one of them I've seen a lot."
They both laugh as Turner guesses correctly, replying: "Your favourite colour!" It's a funny moment, given such a perception around the midfielder, though it is one that is beginning to change.
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