ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka has had more touches in the opposition penalty area than Tottenham’s Son Heung-min this season.
The midfielder scored the third goal in the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Spurs on Saturday.
He fired in clinically with his left foot after taking a touch to settle himself inside the Spurs box.
As a result, Xhaka has now had 30 touches inside the opposition penalty box this term – three more than forward Son has managed, per WhoScored.
The Spurs talisman has had a tricky start to the season and has struggled for goals and assists – with the exception of his hat-trick against Leicester.
Son was hooked in the second half at The Emirates with Spurs trailing and he has been quiet compared to the lofty standards he set last season and in the years before that.
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Meanwhile, Xhaka is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance in Mikel Arteta’s midfield with two goals and three assists in the Premier League.
Prior to Saturday the Swiss’ touches in the opposition area had increased by 250 per cent – with 3.58 touches per 90 minutes compared to 1.43 per 90 last season.
Xhaka, 30, has also produced an average of 1.9 key passes and is arguably playing the best football of his career.
Fans praised his leadership qualities during the North London derby after he gathered his team-mates into a huddle after their first goal to dish out instructions.
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Ian Wright also highlighted the ex-captain for praise after the match, suggesting Xhaka is playing like he has a “new lease of life”.
Xhaka even took the captain’s armband for the final ten minutes after Martin Odegaard was substituted, showing he is firmly back in the fans’ good books.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
