I suspect that Arsene Wenger will put Granit Xhaka in the Arsenal starting line-up for the home game against Swanse City in the Premier League this weekend, as the Swiss international seems to be a big favourite of the manager, but I have serious doubts about whether Xhaka is the right man for the job and whether or not the Gunners best combination in central midfield is actually Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey.
Against the struggling Swans it should not matter too much if Xhaka has another one of his brain freeze moments like those we saw against Everton, Watford, Liverpool, Leicester City and others. Even if a sloppy pass or a momentary lack of focus leads to a goal there should be enough attacking ability in the Arsenal team to get away with it, as we did last weekend, but I do think it is a concern and especially so in a big game like the one coming up at Man City.
We simply cannot afford to give the runaway leaders any help. It is going to be hard enough for Arsenal to get anything at the Etihad anyway and despite Xhaka’s undoubted ability with the ball I do not think he offers enough defensively or has the right focus and discipline to be a top class holding player.
Perhaps with Elneny alongside Xhaka Arsenal have a very strong central midfield but it also lacks a cutting and creative edge, whereas Ramsey and Coquelin give you both. That’s my opinion at least, but what do you guys think is our best midfield pairing and does it depend on who we are up against?
Bob.