Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Jesus have been given leadership roles at Arsenal, deputising to Martin Odegaard, David Ornstein reports.
The opening weeks of the season have been bliss at London Colney, with two convincing wins against tough mid-table opposition.
In the Gunners most recent outing against Leicester, both Jesus and Xhaka were crucial, with the former scoring two and assisting two, whilst the Swiss got himself onto the scoresheet.
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It’s no secret that Xhaka and Arteta have a special relationship, with the Spaniard convincing the midfielder to stay at the club back in late 2019.
Granit Xhaka was 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 today. Fully deserved goal for his performance. ❤️ #afc
However, after the calamitous fall out back against Crystal Palace in 2019 there seemed no return.
The incident, which saw the fans viscerally boo Xhaka, with the Swiss international responding with equal animosity, there seemed no return.
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It’s a credit to the midfielder’s importance and professionalism that just under three years on from that fateful night he is still a crucial cog in Arteta’s machine, on top of now being given more leadership responsibility.
As for Gabriel Jesus, his start at Arsenal has been electric, topping the league in goal contributions so far.
It speaks to the work ethic, commitment and top-order attitude of the Brazilian that in just six weeks at the club he has been given such levels of responsibility.
The 25-year-old evidently oozes authority and is well-respected by his team-mates.
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Even after his MOTM showing against Leicester, he was keen to make sure the credit was shared:
“Sometimes players want to play & I’m the same.”
“Here I come, train everyday, me & Eddie, finishing - he has a lot of quality, a lot of confidence to play as well. I think Arsenal have two good strikers!”
Such humility combined with world class talent is a rarity - Arsenal have struck gold with their new leadership selection.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Jesus