After seeing Arsenal make it three games in a row in which we have come from behind to win, there was always going to be some talk from the manager and players about how that proves that there is a strong mental side to our squad. Granit Xhaka was only involved in two of those comebacks as he did not feature in the Carabao cup win over Norwich City, but he was one of the Arsenal stars who spoke after the Swansea game about the character of the Gunners, Sky Sports reports.
The Swiss international midfielder said, “It’s the third time in a week that the team have come from behind to win, that says a lot about this team.
“Lots of people talk about the character of our team, that it’s not right and that we need to do more. But we always show that we can come back.
“Today we were 1-0 down, last week we were 1-0 down, but we turned the games around and that shows the character of this team.”
To be fair I have to agree, but on the other hand we should not keep getting into these positions where we have to come back. I certainly do not think it would be a good idea to do it on Sunday when we travel to face Man City in the Premier League.
Go behind there and all the strength of character in the world may not be enough and I worry about Xhaka and the mistakes he keeps making, especially as they often tend to lead to goals for the opposing team. At the Etihad it is vital we give nothing away and for me that suggests that Francis Coquelin should come in for Xhaka.
The Frenchman may not have quite the same passing ability but his defensive and holding play is certainly better and that is what we are likely to need more, don’t you think?
Bob.