If the Arsenal starting line-up for the north London derby on Sunday does include the summer signing Granit Xhaka, then do not be surprised if the Tottenham players try to wind the Swiss international star up a bit, as the new Gunner does have a poor recent disciplinary record.
With eight red cards for club and country since April 2014 it is hardly surprising that Arsene Wenger was asked whether he had concerns about Xhaka in the build up to what is usually a fiercely contested match. Even though our manager admitted that he did have, there is a good chance that he is going to start Xhaka anyway, reports The Guardian.
Wenger said, “Am I bit concerned? Yes, of course.
“The discipline is important and we want to be effective in all situations we face and in the derby it is important to keep control of your reaction and to have a strong discipline, because it is part of the effectiveness in these games.
“Normally he is a very composed and calm guy. Sometimes on the field he has a reaction that is a bit impulsive and he knows that. It is not because you talk about that. He has to work on that and keep control of his reactions in the game.”
However, I reckon that the Frenchman will have had a long chat with his transfer acquisition and will feel that he can rely on the midfielder to keep his cool. I personally feel that his latest sending off, in the Premier League win at Swansea, was harsh but that should have taught him to be extra careful on Sunday.
We do not want him to abandon his aggression and tackling against the Spuds, though, so is it too risky to start Xhaka? Do you think Ramsey or Elneny should get the nod instead?
Bob.