ARSENAL fans are all saying the same thing about Granit Xhaka after Neal Maupay squared up to him in the 1-0 defeat to Everton.
Tempers flared late in the game as the French striker clashed with Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The Gunners left-back was dragged to the floor by Maupay, who was then confronted by many of Zinchenko’s team-mates.
Xhaka led the charge up to him and given the Swiss midfielder’s fiery reputation many were expecting a bust-up.
However, he surprised everyone by attempting to calm the opponent down before dragging an angry Zinchenko away from the situation.
The Ukrainian and Maupay both ended up getting yellow cards for their actions with boss Mikel Arteta reportedly pushing his fuming star away from confrontation again at full-time.
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Fans had their say on Xhaka’s behaviour, one said: “CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES, watching Granit Xhaka calming down Neal Maupay. What a difference a few years makes.”
Another said: “Xhaka has changed. If Maupay did that to him last season he’s getting hit with a swift right hook.”
A third reacted: “Xhaka has grown up… two seasons ago he’d have headbutted Maupay.”
One Arsenal supporter jokingly suggested they miss his previous style: “The old Xhaka would’ve thrown Maupay into the ground. I don’t know if I’m sad or proud to witness this.”
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This is not the first time Maupay and the Gunners have had their differences on the pitch.
During his time at Brighton he injured Bernd Leno sparking a huge brawl at full-time.
He then went on to score the winner that day and called for Arsenal players to “learn humility”.
Xhaka has taken up a leadership role in the squad this season and previously calmed down Gabriel Magalhaes away at Leeds.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
