Unai Emery has stripped Granit Xhaka of the captaincy following the players angry confrontation with the home support versus Crystal Palace back in October. The Swiss international’s Arsenal future is in doubt with widespread reports the club could be set to offload him in the upcoming January transfer window.
These Arsenal fans are pleased Emery has taken such drastic action although some feel the boss is also protecting his own interests.
So now xhaka can find out what it feels like to be on the bench
— ARTETA IN? (@maglcalmatteo) November 5, 2019
Best news ina while. Take it he’ll be heading out the door in January?
— kris (@BigBossDawg84) November 5, 2019
Best thing he’s done
— goon squad (@NashGunner) November 5, 2019
Good riddance
— ™ArsenalChiefPriest? (@hansomevik1886) November 5, 2019
Xhaka will never play for Arsenal again. He’s leaving in Jan for sure
— rocafonz (@rocafonz) November 5, 2019
He only did it for self preservation
— Andy (@whatandysays1) November 5, 2019
What do we think?
Whichever way you look at it the Xhaka issue has left the fanbase torn. His performances have certainly not always been to the standard expected at a club like Arsenal and therefore there was a debate around whether or not he was deserving of the captaincy in the first place.
In the eyes of these supporters, eventually, the right decision has been made even if it was proceeded by some unsavoury scenes at the Emirates Stadium.
If the midfielder is to be frozen out Emery will need to rethink his midfield strategy. The 27-year-old has featured heavily in the Premier League this season starting 82% of Arsenal’s fixtures and registering one assist.