Arsenal fans reacted indifferently on Twitter after Xhaka was sent off for a challenge on Burnley’s Steven Defour in the 65th minute.
Granit Xhaka is the kind of player Arsenal have missed for the longest time. He has added the much-needed steel in the middle of the park for the Gunners. That said, Granit Xhaka sometimes brings too much steel at times especially when he loses his head in a game.
He was sent off by Jon Moss earlier on in the season when we played Swansea City at the Emirates where we won 3-2 albeit a nervy win. Modou Barrow was causing us all sorts of trouble especially from Monreal’s left wing. As he tried to break for the Swans, Xhaka did his job and at worst deserved a yellow card but ended up with a red.
In the game against Burnley, his challenge on Steven Defour didn’t deserve a red as a yellow card would have sufficed but no, instead, the same referee sent him off again.
In all fairness, the players affected by the tackles may have over-exaggerated in their respective reactions in a bid to provoke a reaction off the ref but come on. As it stands, Xhaka stands to suffer a 4 game ban if his sending off isn’t appealed. The 4 games include the Chelsea fixture on the 4th of Feb 2017.
Could our preparation for that game already be jinxed?. Weplay Southampton in the FA cup at the weekend, Watford on Tuesday evening and finally play Chelsea at the beginning of the month of February, I couldn’t be more worried as that game would be a very crucial title race decider.
I hope by some miracle he is available for that game as what he brings to the side from that role is almost irreplaceable. Everytime, he touches the ball outside the opponent’s area, the Arsenal faithful chorus SHOOT! That is how much of a fan favorite he is.
According to Skysports, here is a history of his disciplinary records in the last 3 years which I believe is responsible for creating the wrong impression about his game to English referees.
I wish him back in the side asap. I am confident Coquelin can hold down the fort in his absence but there’s only one Granit Xhaka.
Here are some of the Fan reactions on Twitter:
That's it for Xhaka, Wenger will punish again to put him out until the end of March #AFC #ARSBUR
— tosin (@TosinAFC) January 22, 2017
Xhaka not being able to tackle doesn't make you a hardman, just means you don't have the right technique. #Arsenal #Xhaka
— El Comandante (@ElComandante84) January 22, 2017
Granit #Xhaka needs to sort out his hot-head. There's potentially a world-class player in the making & he can ruin it. #Arsenal #MOTD2 #MOTD
— Ryan Colaço (Ryan C™) (@Ryan_Colaco) January 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/AlexisIwobi/status/823196929467305984
Defour got xhaka sent off there! Wasn't great from xhaka but he barely touched him and defour makes the biggest meal of it #MOTD2 #Xhaka
— #FPL Connect (@FPL_Connect) January 22, 2017
Lets not be to harsh on #Xhaka as he has been immense for us recently. I remember a certain Patrick Vieira getting plenty of red cards #afc
— FarhanJNR (@Farhan_JNR) January 22, 2017
As for #xhaka.. put him to one side, discipline him. It has to stop. Nearly cost us! One day it will cost us. #arsenal
— Parm (@parm_9) January 22, 2017
Xhaka is a liability….
There, I said it, it IS a red card, No argument for me.
His stupid petulance could cost us…#AFC— Kris 🔴⚪ 🇨🇵 ⭐⭐ (@KC_Runz) January 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/ConorHession/status/823194250301100032
Xhaka said a few weeks back that, in terms of aggression, he "won't change for anyone". You… you should probably change a bit. #AFC
— Joe Wright (@JoeWright004) January 22, 2017
