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Fans React To Granit Xhaka Being Named Permanent Arsenal Captain

Fans React To Granit Xhaka Being Named Permanent Arsenal Captain

Interesting decision.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has named midfielder Granit Xhaka as the club's new permanent captain, according to reports.

The Swiss midfielder has made over 100 appearances for the club since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016.

But the decision to hand him the armband has been met with a mixed response, especially following a number of performances this season, where he was more recently booed off the pitch during their 3-2 win against Aston Villa.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

Speaking after that match, Unai Emery defended the midfielder, saying,

"My opinion is we need our supporters and we need our supporters helping each player but our responsibility is to transmit our capacity, our spirit, our commitment and behaviour. And Xhaka is doing that."

But the decision to appoint Xhaka, who captained the side on six out of eight occasions this season, has certainly brought plenty of reaction on social media.

"Xhaka is very, very lucky." said The Times's chief reported Henry Winter.

"He now needs to raise his game, improve his discipline, both tactical and temperament. Guendouzi is Arsenal's heartbeat, not Xhaka. Holding more a leader than Xhaka. Important that Emery finalises vice-captain soon because of Xhaka's record with suspensions."

Here is some more reaction from Twitter this afternoon:






It is believed that Emery consulted his players about the decision on Friday morning, as a vice captain has yet to be named.

According to BBC correspondent David Ornstein, forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang are "leading contenders" for the position.

Thoughts on the decision to appoint Xhaka as permanent captain?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Granit Xhaka, Premier League, Arsenal

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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@jackkenmare_