Ian Wright full of praise for Arsenal star Granit Xhaka after Brentford win despite once being his ‘staunchest critic’

    ARSENAL legend Ian Wright has singled out Granit Xhaka for praise following the 3-0 win over Brentford on Sunday.

    The Gunners won their sixth Premier League game out of seven played thanks to goals from William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.

    Xhaka is one of Arsenal's most important players

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    Xhaka is one of Arsenal’s most important playersCredit: Alamy
    Wright has singled the Swiss star out for praise

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    Wright has singled the Swiss star out for praiseCredit: Getty

    And the three points helped keep Arsenal at the top of the table heading into the international break.

    One of Arsenal’s best performers this season has been Xhaka.

    He provided a brilliant cross for Jesus’ goal against the Bees.

    The Swiss star, 29, at one point in his Arsenal career, looked like he’d never recover after being stripped of the captaincy.

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    However, he has since found his feet and continues to be a leader in the team despite not being the full-time captain of Mikel Arteta’s side.

    And one of his “staunchest critics”, Arsenal legend Wright, has recognised his performances.

    Wright told BBC’s Match of the Day: “For me, Granit Xhaka is a player that we’re finally see play like he does for Switzerland.

    “He’s playing in a position that suits him, playing more offensively. He’s playing with real authority and confidence.

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    “Lately he’s been able to find space and from there he can be really dangerous because, for me, he’s got easily one of the best left-foots in the Premier League.

    “It’s a great cross for the Jesus goal, it’s fantastic. He can also do the defensive stuff, he gets back and get his foot in there.

    “He set the tempo for Arsenal off the ball.

    “I’m really pleased for him because I was one of his staunchest critics. But now we’re seeing the best of Granit Xhaka.”

    Fans also treated the midfielder to choruses of “we’ve got Granit Xhaka” as he approached the away end at full-time.

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