VIDEO: Arteta ran for Xhaka: I want to take Richarlison down, the Swiss bulldog explained

Granit Xhaka is Granit Xhaka. A hothead who occasionally explodes. Nothing will change the fact that Gunners fans can’t get enough of him this year, and he’s finally fulfilling what management bought him for all those years ago. In Sunday’s derby with Tottenham (2: 0), he once again confirmed that even good performances have not definitively calmed him down.

The game was like every North London derby very heated. The players and the home fans were getting nervous as the time was running out, the main referee had an influence on it as well.

When after the final whistle Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a celebratory gesture towards the Spurs fans (who booed him during the game), Richarlison ran up to him and started pushing him.

A melee ensued, with Ramsdale even getting kicked in the back by one of the Tottenham fans. Coach Mikel Arteta dealt with the situation by dragging his goalkeeper away. But when he turned around, he ran back in dismay as Granit Xhaka continued his discussion with the angry opposition players.

Xhaka made a gesture towards the Spurs camp that clearly called for silence. His coach sensed the threat of a red card and led him away from the white crowd. The Swiss midfielder argued by saying he wanted to take Richarlison down.

Arteta knew why he had to run for Xhaka. After all, the captain of the Swiss national team in 275 matches has collected 74 yellow cards and five red cards. And a large part of them were just for provocative gestures or inappropriate behavior.

But otherwise, Xhaka has been on a roll this season. He has calmed down his head and in midfield he is sovereign in partnership with Thomas Partey. At the same time, he is a clear leader in a young team who takes responsibility at key moments.

Source: Twitter