Why Granit Xhaka Is So Important To Arsenal: Unai Emery

Unai Emery has explained why Granit Xhaka still holds such an important place in his squad despite his obvious mistakes.

The Swiss international came under fire last week after his clumsy challenge handed Tottenham Hotspur a penalty at the Emirates. Arsenal did manage to equalise the scoreline but many believe it was because of Xhaka that the opportunity for all 3 points was missed.

“We’ve been speaking — mistake, recognise that mistake, learn, correct, improve and after repeat with success,” Emery explained.

“Every player makes mistakes, only some are magnified because the consequence is more. But I am really focused on the good things, on the positive performances and Xhaka has a big character and is very important for us. He played a very good match against Tottenham, he made a mistake that was a penalty, he knows and we are working to improve, to change that mistake in one process.”

“Of course, he gives us a very good balance in the middle with the ball and without the ball,’ he said. I think he is very important for us. We can talk about the defects for every player, for him also, but we can speak about positive things, the very positive performances he gives us in most matches.”