Granit Xhaka

[jayramfootball]

If we're not going to sign anyone in the middle why not recall Torreira? He's actually good, just doesn't really suit the PL, but he'd be better than nothing.

TBH, I am not sure this is even an issue anymore?
We needed cover in Jan, but do we now?

We have 4 central midfielders back now.

[theHotHead]

He's not a DM and neither is Partey, that is the problem. Need someone who is pretty much a CB playing in midfield.

Elneny?

Ben White for me. He can play that role, leaving Saliba and Gabriel as CBs.

Elneny's passing qualities are better than his defensive attributes.

I don't get this 'move a CB to a DM role' idea.
They are two totally different positions to play.
How many CB's do we see playing central midfield?

If we need a DM (we do) then we should sign one - not fill the role with a CB.

While I don't agree with pushing Ben White into midfield to do a DM role, the idea of pushing ball-playing CBs into the DM role makes a lot of sense. I can't remember who I had an argument with about this, I think it was Zenith, lots of stats were thrown around by us both.

The idea makes a lot of sense, ball playing CBs are defensive-centric, so to have a player that can tackle and win headers and break up play sit in front of the defence is a good idea. Whether we have seen lots of examples of it happening or not is irrelevant. You see it a lot in amateur football when teams are short on numbers, CBs push into midfield and hold or holding CMs push into defence as a CB. Holding CMs don't do as much running as box to box CMs, all they need to do is sit and cover an area from the halfway line to the edge of the box, they need to read the play and identify the threat - especially on a counter. The fact the CB is a ball playing CB means he is comfortable on the ball so should be able to cope when put under pressure.

As a short term/tactical solution, I think its fine.

[Salibatelli]

I completely agree, putting a CB who can pass into midfield maker perfect sense, they are defensively minded so can do that but can also pass the ball which means they offer something to the midfield too.

Always thought that would have been Luiz best position as he was a bit of a liability at the back but that would have been an non issue in midfield.

[ag6789]

Ben White will make a good DM. He is versatile that's why we have paid so much for him. He's 3 in one really . CB, RB, DM.
My idea would be to use him as DM and play Holding behind him until we buy a legitimate DM.
Also, play Elnenny beside Partey for the rest of the season whenever possible.
Get rid of Xhakha as soon as summer Transfers open up.

[jayramfootball]

We do get some weird ideas.
How about we play a CM in CM?
Seems to make more sense than taking out one of the key players in a defence that has been excellent.

Don't mess with the back 5. Period.
Maybe Tavares gets some minutes, we obviously have to cover injuries too... but other than that leave it well alone.
We've not looked this good defensively in a long time.

[ag6789]

We are short in numbers but we have versatile players in Tomi ( RB, CB) and White 3 in one. So until we get proper replacements in the midfield, we should keep our options open. I'm sure bothe Edu and Arteta have thought through these extreme scenarios before recruiting those two.
Actually a very well thought out decision on hindsight.

[Losmeister]

Ben White will make a good DM. He is versatile that's why we have paid so much for him. He's 3 in one really . CB, RB, DM.
My idea would be to use him as DM and play Holding behind him until we buy a legitimate DM.
Also, play Elnenny beside Partey for the rest of the season whenever possible.
Get rid of Xhakha as soon as summer Transfers open up.

i think this i a pretty fair shout

[jayramfootball]

A montage of Xhaka’s red cards at Arsenal popped up on my Twitter timeline… was quite interesting in that not a single one of them should have been anywhere close to a red card.
Not one.

[Nuggets]

A montage of Xhaka’s red cards at Arsenal popped up on my Twitter timeline… was quite interesting in that not a single one of them should have been anywhere close to a red card.
Not one.

[Salibatelli]

Right so when he kicked the Liverpool player in the chest when he was last man that wasn’t a red card?

Didnt he have a bad disciplinary record in Germany too?

[Nuggets]

Right so when he kicked the Liverpool player in the chest when he was last man that wasn’t a red card then?

Didnt he have a bad disciplinary record in Germany too?

Not in the world according to Jay

[swipe right]

A montage of Xhaka’s red cards at Arsenal popped up on my Twitter timeline… was quite interesting in that not a single one of them should have been anywhere close to a red card.
Not one.

Trolling. Where are the mods?

[Salibatelli]

Right so when he kicked the Liverpool player in the chest when he was last man that wasn’t a red card then?

Didnt he have a bad disciplinary record in Germany too?

Not in the world according to Jay

Seems to be the case, there’s also one in 2020 against Burnley when he grabs the Burnley player by the neck.

Xhaka’s discipline issues go back years, he was known for it in Germany I believe and even has red cards for his country.

[Ach]

Dear God

[jayramfootball]

A montage of Xhaka’s red cards at Arsenal popped up on my Twitter timeline… was quite interesting in that not a single one of them should have been anywhere close to a red card.
Not one.

Trolling. Where are the mods?

One of the two forum trolls thinks defending one our players is trolling LOL.