Arsenal supporters may feel deflated following Mikel Arteta’s men dropped two points at home against Crystal Palace on Thursday night, but the Gunners had midfielder Granit Xhaka to thank for the visitor not leaving the Emirates with all three points.
Aiming to win a fourth consecutive Premier League game for the first time since 2018, Arsenal had a to settle for a point on a frustrating night despite they were much less effervescent than in their more improved performances in recent weeks.
The Eagles had the better of the chances of break the deadlock against Mikel Arteta’s side but Xhaka, who made 13 league starts and one substituted helping Arsenal with crucial intervention.
The 28-year-old central midfielder played well in the middle of the park and was a force to be reckoned with.
Granit Xhaka’s game by numbers for Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 14, 2021
◉ Most touches (129)
◉ Most passes completed (97)
◉ Most duels contested (15)
◉ Most ball recoveries (13)
◉ Most duels won (9)
◉ Most tackles (6)
◉ Most clearances (3)
Everywhere. pic.twitter.com/rCFLHxu2vH
The Switzerland international made a brilliant tackle on Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in the first half and stopped Christian Benteke from scoring in the second period half of the game.
Granit Xhaka tonight 👊 pic.twitter.com/4wlinyS2fx
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) January 14, 2021
Xhaka, who spread the passes well and drove the team forward on a number of occasions, took one shot which was not on target, had a pass accuracy of 88.4%, won two headers, took 130 touches, attempted two dribbles, and made six tackles and three clearances.
Granit Xhaka vs Crystal Palace (H):
— . (@XhakaStat) January 14, 2021
•129 Touches
•97 Accurate Passes
•8/9 Long Balls
•2/2 Dribbling
•9/15 Duels Won
•3 Clearances
•1 Blocked Shot
•6 Tackles Won
•7.8 Rating
Incredible defensive display. The MOTM 👏 pic.twitter.com/MyZLtB5b8i
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