Stats show Granit Xhaka dominated for Arsenal against Bournemouth in Mikel Arteta’s first game – but exit rumours persist
Granit Xhaka may still have a lot of work to do to endure himself completely to Arsenal fans, but his performance in Mikel Arteta’s first game is a step in the right direction.
The Switzerland international became something of a scapegoat during Unai Emery’s unsuccessful tenure, but delivered a commanding display in Arteta’s managerial debut.
The Spaniard was forced to settle for a point from his first match as Arsenal head coach after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang salvaged a 1-1 draw at struggling Bournemouth.
The Spaniard received a swift reminder of the sizeable job facing him in north London when Dan Gosling's first-half opener threatened to ruin his managerial debut.
But the Gunners dominated possession at the Vitality Stadium and prevented a sixth Premier League defeat of a dismal season as captain Aubameyang slotted home a deserved 63rd-minute equaliser.
Despite some encouraging signs on the south coast for the former Manchester City assistant coach, his side were unable to force a winner and far tougher tests than facing out-of-form opponents ravaged by injury lie ahead.
Arteta's primary task is to spark an immediate upturn in results by arresting a wretched run of form which has now brought just a solitary win from 14 matches in all competitions.
And it seems as though Xhaka was one of those who may benefit the most under the tutelage of the former Gunners midfielder, as you can see from the stats below.
XHAKA'S GAME BY NUMBERS
The Arsenal midfielder ran the show against Bournemouth...
- 108 touches
- 90/95 passes successful
- 94.7% pass succession rate
- 3 key passes
- 1/1 successful crosses
- 11/12 successful long balls
- 1/1 dribbles completed
- 5 duels won
- 2 tackles
- 2 interceptions
- 1 clearance
- 1 block
- 1 foul won
- 0 times dribbled past
Although a return to the Bundesliga has been touted, Xhaka could well thrive under the coaching of Arteta.
The former Manchester City boss was highly regarded by his previous employers and Arsenal fans will hope this is a sign of things to come.