Granit Xhaka has expressed his emotional gratitude to Arsenal fans after leading the team to a 3-0 victory over Brentford, a result that sent the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table. The Swiss midfielder, who was handed the captain's armband in the absence of Martin Odegaard, delivered a dominant performance and was serenaded by travelling supporters at full-time.
Reflecting on the moment, Xhaka said: 'I never, ever was thinking this would happen. To be in front of them then was very emotional. Absolutely, after what happened three years ago? To be in front of this team means a lot to me.' His comments refer to an incident in 2019 when he was stripped of the captaincy after an angry outburst at fans.
Xhaka has been in fine form this season, flourishing in a box-to-box role under Mikel Arteta. He has already contributed one goal and three assists, surpassing his goal involvement tally from the previous campaign. His latest assist was a delightful cross to Gabriel Jesus at Brentford.
The 29-year-old also praised the team's transformation since last season, saying: 'When you see us one year ago and you see us today, it's a big, big difference. It's a process of learning and a process of mentality.'
Despite Arsenal's strong start, Xhaka insisted he is not looking at the table, instead focusing on the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham. 'If I'm honest, we have to enjoy where we are but I'm not looking at the table. It will be a different game because it's a derby.'
Off the pitch, Xhaka is working towards his UEFA B License and has been coaching Arsenal's academy players, including 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who became the youngest player in Premier League history against Brentford. 'I coached him at Under-16 and I can see he's very, very special. Of course, we have to protect him,' Xhaka added.
