Granit Xhaka was inspirational against Liverpool. Despite being gutted about conceding to James Milner’s shot, eagle-eyed Gooners found something that pleased them in Xhaka’s response.
Sadio Mane’s cross evaded Bernd Leno and was deflected back for the midfielder to sweep the ball home.
Certain Arsenal players looked downcast after conceding first despite having had plenty of chances themselves.
Sead Kolasinac lay face down on the turf in disappointment after he failed to block Milner’s goalbound shot. Hector Bellerin was on his knees on the goal line as Reds star wheeled away to celebrate in front of the travelling fans.
But Xhaka rallied the troops with a spirited display of verbal encouragement. The Swiss international’s words had the desired effect as Arsenal fought back strongly and secured a point through Alexandre Lacazette’s goal.
Arsenal fans have been crying out for more displays of passion of the pitch and Xhaka provided it against the Reds.
Although Mesut Ozil was Unai Emery’s captain, Xhaka put in a display worthy of the skipper’s armband.
He completed more passes, made more tackles and more ball recoveries than any other player on the pitch.
Granit Xhaka in #ARSLIV…
▪️ More passes than anyone else on the pitch
▪️ More recoveries than anyone else on the pitch
▪️ More tackles than anyone else on the pitchPretty impressive stats, Granit 😏 pic.twitter.com/9KiWKICSni
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 3, 2018
One fan took to Twitter to sing his praises, writing: “Torreira was so good but Xhaka my MOTM, his performance was outstanding today.”
Another compared his performances to that of Michael Carrick during Manchester United’s Premier League winning years.
“Need to say this before it slips off my mind,” they wrote.
“Granit Xhaka today gave me feels of Michael Carrick 06/07 & 12/13”
“Xhaka is looking a changed player in recent weeks,” wrote a third fan. “Only watched the highlights there but he is looking sharp.”
The 1-1 draw leaves Arsenal four points behind leaders Liverpool and one behind rivals Tottenham.