As Arsenal thrashed Crystal Palace 4-1 in the Premier League title match, Granit Xhaka completed a move that would represent Mikel Arteta's footballing revolution.
"We have the great Mik Arteta, he knows exactly what we need!"
If you've ever watched Arsenal this season, you'll hear those words echo through the Emirates nearly every time the Gunners score a goal. More than ever in the stadium's 17-year history, fans enjoyed sublime football at the end of the game and Sunday's 4-1 win without the Crystal Palace coach was a victory. Another level performance.
Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead and Granit Xhaka stepped up to Palace's attempt to comfort. Xhaka's sweet strike, which ended a 14-pass combination, best showcased Arsenal's footballing prowess this season as they took a near-impossible eight-point lead. compete for the Premier League title and the league's other most skilled team, Manchester City.
Let's take a deep dive into the Gunner's ultimate. Looking to extend their two-goal lead shortly after half-time on Sunday, the home side awarded a throw-in in the left half of the field and Oleksandr Zinchenko duly claimed the ball. There was no sense of complacency as the Ukraine defender looked for a solution, with Martinelli executing a clever dart to remove Palace right-back Joel Ward from the area Xhaka stood close to.
Noticing the Brazilian's sudden movement, Zinchenko quickly found Xhaka, who had escaped Michael Olise. Calmly receiving the ball, the Swiss midfielder turned towards his own goal and passed central defender Rob Holding, allowing Arsenal to create from behind as they did so skillfully.
Oleksandr Zinchenko started the 14th pass with a throw-in
Oleksandr Zinchenko started the 14th pass with a throw-in
Granite Xhaka picked up the ball and passed it to Rob Holding
Granite Xhaka picked up the ball and passed it to Rob Holding
However, Tenir is not planning to play with the ball in his final third. Instead, the 27-year-old - admiringly covered in the absence of William Saliba - sabotaged him on the right wing, tasking star Saka with the task of knocking him out on the touchline, while under pressure from the back. Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell. .
The local hero, who had just received the Young Player of the Year award at the London Football Awards, had power on Sunday but was delayed a bit at 55 minutes. Mitchell did a great job shoving him into the middle of the pitch, leaving Saka with no choice but to back down.
Rob Holding vandalized it to Bukayo Saka
Rob Holding vandalized it to Bukayo Saka
Saka's first touch is so good
Saka's first touch is so good
With the Eagles pressuring well in midfield, the Arsenal winger turned back to Holding, who immediately surged forward to find a way to break the lines. After easily overtaking Palace striker Odsonne Edouard, Holding passed the ball to Thomas Partey, who was faced with the eloquent presence of Jeffrey Schlupp. There was no problem for Partey, however, as the Ghanaian ignored his tutelage, dashed off halfway and passed the ball to Xhaka. The Swiss international - as the best midfielders do - looks for space on the left wing before taking possession of the ball. Xhaka has succeeded in a more senior game role this season, further confirming Arteta's transformational tactics.
Buyako Saka is forced to go back to defense
Buyako Saka is forced to go back to defense
Rob Holding once again wins the ball, forward
Rob Holding once again wins the ball, forward
Played a one-two with his left friend Zinchenko, another central defender joining in was Gabriel Magalhaes.
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