This is why I struggle with Xhaka. He can play at this level and he was immense today. His reputation precedes him a bit and was penalized for fouls where there were none...but he controlled that midfield. Could it be due to the partnership with Partey? Partey has made Elneny look great ha.
Long may he put in these kinds of performances.
Saka was amazing again, Cedric was top class and should start as RB on Saturday if Tierney is back. Bellerin was the poorest player in the pitch today (not horrible) but I think with the last 2 league games, Cedric has that spot.
And shoutout for Pepe. Is the left side where he should play? Massive difference than on the right and this was against a good Southampton team. Will be interesting to see if he keeps his place if Auba is still out.
Hoping Partey, Tierney and ESR are fit for Saturday. Very happy with the performance and the result...even with Laca messing up in the 1st minute!
Xhaka
posted on 26/1/21
The key for Xhaka is Partey, the latter gives us much more stability in the middle of the park - he is just immense...
posted on 26/1/21
Xhaka is a very capable player but blows very hot and cold. I think the key for him is having the right setup and the right midfield partners. I think its also clear having a that extra floating player in midfield ESR opens up more passing lanes for him and makes it harder for teams to press him.
All on all very good win, great performance. Pepe should definitely stay on the left, he provides a different kind of threat there.
posted on 26/1/21
Haven’t been his biggest fan but recently Xhaka has shown a much better attitude and a lot more willingness to fight. Aswell as his quality, keep it up.
posted on 26/1/21
Was good against Chelsea
Crap against Brighton
Good against WBA
Crap against Palace
Good against Newcastle
Crap against Southampton (FA Cup)
Good against Southampton tonight
So following the trend a disasterclass against United awaits
posted on 27/1/21
Xhaka is a bit like Aurier for us. Can be decent for a while but guaranteed to self destruct.
posted on 27/1/21
comment by Mi Pelea (U18355)
posted 10 hours, 56 minutes ago
Was good against Chelsea
Crap against Brighton
Good against WBA
Crap against Palace
Good against Newcastle
Crap against Southampton (FA Cup)
Good against Southampton tonight
So following the trend a disasterclass against United awaits
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He was many MOTM against Palace. Couple of last ditch tackles in the box and clearances I recall. However, take your point he is inconsistent. Think the steadiness of Partey helps free the reigns a little bit so he can become more forward thinking.
posted on 27/1/21
Yes OP, all about the partnership. Set Xhaka and have Partey do the scrambling and run the ball.
Told you all, make sure he doesn't have to run about to much and just keep the runners on the move in front of him and he'll sit and carve a team up nicely. The pairing will get better as well. To the point I only expect the strongest MFs in the league to be able to give them any problems.