Granit Xhaka has been one of Arsenal's standout players during the first three months of the new season.
In fact, statistically speaking, the Switzerland international is very much on course to register his best return in terms of goals and assists in the Premier League since the 2017/2018 campaign, having already surpassed his total from the last three seasons after just eight games.
Taking only the Premier League into account, in each of the 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, Xhaka only managed to find the back of the net for Arsenal once, and he weighed in with two assists. It did not him long to equal that record this season, and he was one goal contribution away from breaking his own record following the 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
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And that came in Saturday's North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur as he netted the clincher in a 3-1 win adding to his goal against Leicester City in the Gunners' second game of the campaign. Interestingly, it took Xhaka until gameweek 34 to open his account last term so this marks quite the improvement on the goal front.
In terms of assists, Gabriel Jesus has been the beneficiary of Xhaka's vision twice - once against the Foxes and more recently in the 3-0 win over Brentford before the international break - whilst the midfielder laid the ball on for William Saliba to score a wonderful goal at the Vitality Stadium back in August.
With 30 Premier League games remaining and playing in a much more advanced midfield role, the way Xhaka has started the season, it would be a surprise if he doesn't exceed his best-ever goal and assists contribution for Arsenal in the Premier League, which is eight (one goal, seven assists, as per transfermarkt) from the 2017/18 campaign.
Although, it wasn't just breaking his own three-year Arsenal record that Xhaka managed to achieve against Spurs as his new nickname was revealed by club legend Martin Keown who was present at the Emirates Stadium for the lunchtime kick-off due to being on co-commentary for BT Sport.
After seeing the midfielder find the back of the net with a low effort that gave Hugo Lloris little chance, the former defender hailed him as "the new Arsenal's fans favourite" which highlights the improved relationship between player and supporters following a long difficult road to get to this point.
From the infamous incident almost three years ago that saw him swearing at his own fans after he was substituted in a home game against Crystal Palace to having his name chanted by supporters against Brentford before the international break, Xhaka has stated that he is enjoying the new bond he has built with the fanbase.
"I never ever thought one day this would happen, if I am being honest," he said. "To be in front of them, to have them singing my name is very, very special and emotional. I always wanted that. I always wanted to give them something back after what happened. We were working a lot to try and change their minds of what they had for me and I am happy for what has happened. There is more to come from myself."
So after cementing his transformation with regards to this new midfield role increasing his goal threat and earning a new nickname, it was certainly a North London Derby that Xhaka is unlikely to forget in a hurry.
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