Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has explained how the club's fans and a new chant have helped him amid an impressive run of form this season. The uptake in performances has come along with a new role given to the Switzerland international in recent months by Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard has looked to use Xhaka in a more advanced position on the left of the midfield, breaking into the box with late runs or playing incisive passes to cut through opposition defences. This has seen him beat his best attacking return in a season after just nine games played.
"His consistency, and how he goes about every day," Arteta said in response to a question on what the midfielder has improved on. "What he’s learnt in different moments of his career, whether here or with the national team. Also his willingness always to stay humble, to look forward and try to get better and when you do that, normally good things happen."
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It's those factors that have seen Xhaka become a fans' favourite once again, having previously had times in his career at the Emirates Stadium that could have seen him leave as a zero. Instead, he is very much a hero and has explained to the official Arsenal website how the supporters are helping him.
"My wife asked me if I heard the song during the game, and of course I heard it. I told her it gave me a lot of motivation because I've been here seven years, and got a lot of love in the beginning. Then I had a small break - I call it a small break because it was like a cut.
"But I am pleased for that [having a song] because I feel the love and I always wanted to be good with them. To be in this place where we are in the moment, I have to say thank you and I'm trying to give my best like I always did."
What was once a frayed relationship has since been restored and all those involved will hope it can stay that way. Xhaka's form has been just one key factor in the start the Gunners have made and could be integral to the potential title challenge facing them in the weeks and months ahead.
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