Granit Xhaka endured a bit of a nightmare on Saturday against Swansea at the Emirates, with Arsenal’s big-money summer signing gifting the Swans a goal before seeing red for a silly swipe at Modou Barrow.
The Gunners started well, with two close-range Theo Walcott goals putting the hosts 2-0 up within 33 minutes. However, before the break, Xhaka sloppily lost the ball outside the Arsenal box, allowing Gylfi Sigurdsson to neatly fire past Petr Cech.
Xhaka>Pogba still right? pic.twitter.com/HrAD59LwJa
— p6 (@PogbaGrace) October 15, 2016
After the break, brithday boy Mesut Ozil scored a superb volley after a fine assist from Alexis Sanchez…
However, a goal from sub Borja Baston on 66 minutes had the Emirates fans facing a nervy finale. And to make matters worse for the home support, Xhaka then got himself sent off for a blatant kick at Barrow who was racing down the line. However, whether or not the foul warranted a red is very debatable…
That red card was Xhaka’s fourth in the league since the start of last season (including four in the Bundesliga), which is more than any other player in Europe’s big five leagues.
late in the game, the visitors came close to an equaliser although Walcott also hit the frame of the goal on two occasions. Still, Arsene Wenger’s men held on to secure a precious win which sees them go level on points with Man City at the top of the table.
As for new Swansea boss Bob Bradley, he can be pleased with his side’s performance and their fight, despite the defeat.