In his first Premier League appearance, Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka certainly left his mark, writes Gavin Spillane.
Just not in a way that would have Arsene Wenger waxing lyrical about the Swiss midfielder.
Xhaka was sprung off the bench with 24 minutes to play as the Gunners chased Liverpool in a thriller that finished 4-3 to Klopp’s men.
Given his impressive Euro 2016 campaign, many believe the 23 year-old will add a physical dimension to Arsenal’s midfield.
And he looked to impose himself, making six tackles in his brief cameo.
None of which were successful.
Xhaka committed four fouls, the most made by any player in the opening weekend of the Premier League season and picked up a yellow card too. All in 24 minutes.
Granit Xhaka gets booked after committing his 136th foul since coming on.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 14, 2016
Granit Xhaka has attempted 6 tackles since coming on; he hasn't won a single one and has committed 4 fouls. pic.twitter.com/udWXrI5gDq
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 14, 2016
Granit Xhaka's #PL debut:
— Freebets.co.uk (@freebetscouk) August 15, 2016
Minutes played: 24⏱
Tackles Attempted: 6🚶
Tackles Won: 0❌
Fouls: 4💥
Nightmare start! pic.twitter.com/qkrwaq9eyC
No more committed more fouls in the PL this weekend than Arsenal's Granit Xhaka. He played 24 mins. pic.twitter.com/9xO7jp94Ve
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 15, 2016
Arsenal will now look to register their first points of the season when they travel to the Kingpower Stadium next week to take on current Champions Leicester.
