Arsenal stayed top of the table after beating Brentford 3–0 away from home with Granit Xhaka starring for the Gunners.
The 29-year-old was then included in Garth Crooks' Premier League Team of the Week, but, for some reason, the BBC pundit decided to opine that he 'doesn't like Xhaka' and that the midfielder 'should've left the club years ago'.
Crooks wrote: "I don't like Xhaka. I find him confrontational, overly aggressive and altogether irritating. Nevertheless, on his day he's a very good player.
"He should have left Arsenal years ago. However, for some reason he has not only stayed at the club, but also occasionally wears the captain's armband, such is his popularity these days. Against Brentford he looked very impressive."
Arsenal supporters have rallied behind the Switzerland international, calling the BBC out of their bizarre agenda against the Emirates vice-captain.
'He feels love and respect both ways': Arteta opens up on how Granit Xhaka mended his relationship with fans
Speaking to the media after Sunday's 3–0 win against Brentford, Mikel Arteta said: "I'm pleased with Granit Xhaka's consistency and how he goes about every day. What he’s learnt in different moments of his career.
"You see his willingness to always to stay humble, to look forward and try to get better and when you do that, normally good things happen. He was leading today, absolutely, and he was demanding it as well.
"He feels now that love and respect both ways. You see our supporters, the way they were singing to him as well, emotionally that makes him try to give even more. I’m really pleased for him because in my opinion he really deserves it."
Xhaka's Arsenal career appeared to be over in October 2019 when Arsenal fans jeered him at the Emirates and the midfielder reacted by waving and cupping his ear sarcastically to home supporters.
The Switzerland international was stripped of the captaincy after a bizarre non-apology on social media and it took years to rebuild the relationship. The 29-year-old is now a key player for Arteta's side.
Arsenal fans chant Xhaka's name after Brentford game — why it's really special
Granit Xhaka put in a Rolls-Royce performance against Brentford. He dominated the midfield and provided an assist to Gabriel Jesus in a 3-0 win.
After the game, Arsenal fans at the Brentford Community Stadium chanted Xhaka's name.
This is something really special considering the midfielder's uneasy relationship with the Gunners faithful.
Back in October 2019, Xhaka told Arsenal fans to 'f*** off' as the Emirates crowd jeered him off. He was on the verge of leaving the club in the following transfer window but Mikel Arteta insisted on retaining him and Granit became a centrepiece of the Spaniard's project.
Over these nearly three years, Xhaka has been gradually returning to Arsenal fans' good books—for his performances, leadership and readiness to give everything for the team. But there hadn't been a Xhaka chant until recently.
Here is what fans are saying about the song.
A Real Number 9: "XHAKA is currently dropping 10/10s. No red cards, assisting, captain, chants about him. What a time to be alive."
Jonathan: "Does Xhaka have his own song yet? If there is anyone in our team who deserves the praise of our fans in song, it’s him."
Ben: "He’s getting the recognition he deserves."
AFC_Rich: "Tears in my eyes we've got a Xhaka chant"
Granit was so moved by the chant so he recorded a personal message to Arsenal fans.
"Thanks for your support," he said. "You've been amazing, but for myself to hear what happened today, to say my name, to sing the song for me, it's a very, very special day. Thank you again and see you soon!"
