Arsenal strolled to a 2-0 Premier League win against Brighton on Sunday – but fans took to Twitter to slam midfielder Granit Xhaka.
The Switzerland international, 25, was selected in central midfield alongside Aaron Ramsey as Arsene Wenger made nine changes to the side that secured a 4-2 Europa League win against Bate Borisov on Thursday night.
Goals from Nacho Monreal and the recalled Alex Iwobi secured a convincing triumph for the home side as they maintained their fine home form and climbed to fifth in the table.
This was a fluent performance from Wenger’s side but that did not stop supporters from taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction at Xhaka, who was named in the league starting XI for the seventh consecutive match.
Criticism ranged from wonky passing to what some claimed was his “pedestrian” style of play, with many claiming he should be dropped in favour of Jack Wilshere.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Xhaka dont look fit. Very pedestrian and laboured.
Poor half fron afc tho could have at least 1 more goal #afc— goonersaurus (@RobWoodfin1) October 1, 2017
Should be 2 or 3 up at this stage. Xhaka is coasting, very sloppy in possession and his set pieces have been terrible. #arsbri #afc
— Taylor (@Taylor_Tweets_) October 1, 2017
Kind of game we need ozil. Xhaka and Ramsey not making any incisive passes #afc
— Richard emoche (@richie_emoche) October 1, 2017
Half time bring @JackWilshere on. This game needs some creativity. Xhaka has had so much of the ball but gone backwards or sideways #AFC
— Daniel Clegg (@dan_clegg) October 1, 2017
I’m struggling to think of a player bought in excess of £30m who is poorer than Granit Xhaka? #gash #afc
— Dave Shirley (@DaveShirley9) October 1, 2017
Once Wilshere is fully fit Xhaka may be spending time on the bench. He has been average lately #afc
— Tunde (@Tund3_) October 1, 2017
I wanna see Elneny and Wilshere as our midfield duo. More disciplined than Ramsey-Xhaka #afc
— Ryan (@ryanrambler) October 1, 2017