Arsenal showed impressive resolve and character to leave Stamford Bridge with a draw after going behind twice. David Luiz was sent off early on which put the Gunners under tremendous pressure throughout.
The sending off forced Mikel Arteta to make a tactical shift that pushed midfielder Granit Xhaka to the center of defense. He went on to produce a commanding display that has gone on to wow fans all over.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
Xhaka was immense yesterday. Class! Sorry i ever slandered him. Maybe cuz that donkey Unai was playing him as a CDM.
— Gabriel🪽 (@LifeOfCooke) January 22, 2020
Xhaka bossed it at centre back last night. I was very impressed.
— Nathan (@nathandavis0310) January 22, 2020
You have to give it to xhaka, no matter where he’s asked to play, he always gives his best, recall him playing left back at palace away last year and despite giving away a pen he did really well.
Thought he was terrific at CB and probably the man of the match. Stunned.
— Jackthegooner (@Jack10Gooner) January 22, 2020
Granit Xhaka was really outstanding last night
— Odunsi Adebayo (@Bayoo147) January 22, 2020
Xhaka needs to play CB now, his best performance in an Arsenal shirt
— Ty Ross (@tyyross) January 22, 2020
Xhaka undroppable at the moment
— HavertzMuse (@HavertzMuse) January 22, 2020
Xhaka was UNREAL today man have to give it up to him. Genuinely put in a competent performance at CB in the midst of utter chaos
— 🇪🇷 (@AFC_KC) January 22, 2020
Given the clash that the midfielder had with Arsenal fans a few months ago, it looked like he might be leaving the club this month. But since the arrival of Arteta, Xhaka has found a new lease of life and has proven to be highly impressive.
This was evident in the way he coped with the Chelsea attack last night playing in an unfamiliar position. Xhaka and Mustafi played impressively together and kept their London rivals at bay.
The midfielder will be happy to see this reaction from fans given how fractious the relationship between the two was, not too long ago. Given that David Luiz will be suspended due to his red card, there is every chance that Arteta persists with the Swiss as a center back.
His calmness on the ball and leadership qualities came out yesterday and showed why Wenger and Emery stuck with him despite the struggles. Though the North London club were unable to get a win, they will be happy with the way they fought throughout the match.
This could prove to be a turning point in the course of the season and may push Arsenal to reach greater heights. The next match is away at Bournemouth in a 4th round FA Cup tie.
If they can carry the same spirit they showed at Stamford Bridge, they will ultimately put the points on the board. And for that to happen, it helps that the club has players like Xhaka who are willing to play in unfamiliar positions. Arteta will be hoping that his players can kick on from here and finish the season strongly.
