Granit Xhaka: Swiss Army Knife or Blunt Tool?

[Big Poppa]

Here's the problem. We don't really have an alternative. Remember Cedric is also uncomfortable in defense on the left. In that sense Xhaka has actually provided more defensive stability than Cedric did in his appearances on the left.

That said Cedric also provides more of an attacking threat in the final third, so I do agree with you. Because the trade-off isn't worth it. Despite leaking goals strongly in the last few months, our biggest problem is scoring goals, not defending. It worked in the Slavia game, because we actually finished our chances in that one.

Most mistakes, most referee decisions this year shouldn't have mattered if we actually finished our chances and in some games created more.

All or nothing.

We don’t have a specialist LB in the U23s? These are the exact situations Wenger would promote from within. Arteta doesn’t use his squad.

 

[Taneruit]

We don’t have a specialist LB in the U23s? These are the exact situations Wenger would promote from within. Arteta doesn’t use his squad.

Yes, Lopez. Disappointed he hasn't played yet considering he has been on the bench multiple times. But we have multiple other examples of that.

Speaking of which and the bolded one thing I absolutely don't get with Arteta isn't that he doesn't use his squad, its how half-hearted he does it.

Three obvious instances include as mentioned having the appropriate Youngsters on the bench and clearly training them, training Martinelli for a striker role and then don't use him at all until the 10 minute cameo yesterday and most of all Smith-Rowe. I do fully 100% believe that he was forced into choosing him for the Chelsea game, but I also 100% believe that training and he himself already thought of the tactics involved. He just didn't want to use them earlier for whatever reason.

He's like an even more nervous, afraid version of Pep, frequently choosing he wrong option for no reason, despite (imo) knowing exactly what to do deep down. Even if we get Europa League, if his decision making doesn't improve at the start of next season its a failed experiment and he should be gone.

 

[Taneruit]

 

[Abhishek Arora]

Many players have missed games due to birth of their child(which i feel is genuine).He still played the whole game..all credit to him

 

[dashsnow17]

Granit, it's spelled 'Lanesra', you silly billy!

 

[Big Poppa]

Granit, it's spelled 'Lanesra', you silly billy!

This may fly over many heads

 

[Vicki]

I wonder if some ( all ) of the abuse that Xhaka gets is because he's so stunningly handsome, and everyone is jealous because Granit has achieved what all of us wished for when we were young?

 

[Ash10]

I wonder if some ( all ) of the abuse that Xhaka gets is because he's so stunningly handsome, and everyone is jealous because Granit has achieved what all of us wished for when we were young?

Yeah okay mate

 

[silent_shadow]

I wonder if some ( all ) of the abuse that Xhaka gets is because he's so stunningly handsome, and everyone is jealous because Granit has achieved what all of us wished for when we were young?

Nah, more like why he has far more fans than he deserves. You see it with Arteta too.

But happy for him he has another child. Still want him gone.

 

[Vicki]

Yeah okay mate

So that's one then

 

[Mrs Bergkamp]

Here's the problem. We don't really have an alternative. Remember Cedric is also uncomfortable in defense on the left. In that sense Xhaka has actually provided more defensive stability than Cedric did in his appearances on the left.

That said Cedric also provides more of an attacking threat in the final third, so I do agree with you. Because the trade-off isn't worth it. Despite leaking goals strongly in the last few months, our biggest problem is scoring goals, not defending. It worked in the Slavia game, because we actually finished our chances in that one.

Most mistakes, most referee decisions this year shouldn't have mattered if we actually finished our chances and in some games created more.

All or nothing.

Weren't we told that Mari could fill in at LB. Xhaka shouldn't be there and I agree that Cedric (behind Pepe) might be a better option. We don't need a DLP in the LB position

 

[Mrs Bergkamp]

I wonder if some ( all ) of the abuse that Xhaka gets is because he's so stunningly handsome, and everyone is jealous because Granit has achieved what all of us wished for when we were young?

No. I don't abuse him. I criticise him because I don't think he's good enough. I've never been so turned off by such a good looking guy tbh.

 

[Atlas]

I wonder if some ( all ) of the abuse that Xhaka gets is because he's so stunningly handsome, and everyone is jealous because Granit has achieved what all of us wished for when we were young?

Speak for yourself on the last bit. I never wanted to become a Charlie Adam tribute act as a kid.

 

[Vicki]

No. I don't abuse him. I criticise him because I don't think he's good enough. I've never been so turned off by such a good looking guy tbh.

I have noted that you do, indeed, criticise rather than abuse, and I take that on board.

It's just some of the abuse dolled out here does smell a bit like

 

[Ash10]

I have noted that you do, indeed, criticise rather than abuse, and I take that on board.

It's just some of the abuse dolled out here does smell a bit like

I don't think a single person on this forum is jealous of the guy. I mean who would be jealous of a terrible player like him, people would rather be good in whatever field they are in. Never heard of a narrative like this for any other player when they are criticized smh

 

[squallman]

We don’t have a specialist LB in the U23s? These are the exact situations Wenger would promote from within. Arteta doesn’t use his squad.

The real question is, why did we give a bum from Southampton a 4 year contract only to turn around and play a CB at RB, one who was out for an entire year, ahead of him?

Was Cedric injured? Is he injured?

Appalling squad management by the club, and I mean the entire club, not Arteta

 

[Mrs Bergkamp]

I have noted that you do, indeed, criticise rather than abuse, and I take that on board.

It's just some of the abuse dolled out here does smell a bit like

Some posters love him and possibly want to be him. Erlis is their leader. Some think he's good. And then there's me and @Ash10 and @RacingPhoton. I promise you, there's no jealousy. Incredulity, astonishment and despair but definitely no jealousy

 

[dka1]

I wonder if some ( all ) of the abuse that Xhaka gets is because he's so stunningly handsome, and everyone is jealous because Granit has achieved what all of us wished for when we were young?

The funny thing is that the thought never really crossed my mind.

But let's take a step back and actually the guy has it pretty made. 6'1, good looking, loaded as a mf and his wife is "fine as hell".

So long as he makes some good investments, and he's getting action with the mrs let's say 2 - 3 times a week (let's be real everyday is a myth) and gets on with his lady then he's got an enviable life.

But no I think the hate is more to do with his on field activities tbh.

 

[Xln]

I don't think a single person on this forum is jealous of the guy. I mean who would be jealous of a terrible player like him, people would rather be good in whatever field they are in. Never heard of a narrative like this for any other player when they are criticized smh

You have the whole arsenal squad but you have to be jealous of Xhaka right, our world class super talented midfielder!

 

[Vicki]

Some posters love him and possibly want to be him. Erlis is their leader. Some think he's good. And then there's me and @Ash10 and @RacingPhoton. I promise you, there's no jealousy. Incredulity, astonishment and despair but definitely no jealousy

Jealousy and envy are so close together that sometimes it's not clear which one ( or both ) are affecting you

In these cases I usually go to the font of all knowledge...

No, not Wikipedia...

Spoiler