Arsenal faces Bayer Leverkusen in their next friendly game today, which offers some familiar faces in the German club a chance to return to the Emirates.
One of the most notable departures from Arsenal last summer was Granit Xhaka, whose exit surprised many Gooners. Xhaka, who was outstanding for Arsenal in the 2022/2023 season, forced through a move to Leverkusen last summer.
Since joining Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka has enjoyed success, winning both the German league and domestic cup unbeaten, demonstrating his significant impact.
Now, he returns to the Emirates as part of Xabi Alonso’s team, aiming to get the better of Arsenal in this friendly encounter.
Speaking about his return to his old club, Xhaka told Bild:
“I had a wonderful time at Arsenal & still have daily contact with many of the players & staff. From the team, mainly with Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko & Gabriel Jesus.
“When you play at a club for seven years, the return is always special. I’m looking forward to the game, a very strong opponent, an opponent that we also have to prepare for in the Champions League.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Xhaka was one of our most important players in his final season at the Emirates, and most of us will not be surprised that he has done well in Germany in his short time at Leverkusen.
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Oh my, Zinny against Frimpong.
He’s just put us 1-0 up.
Trossard just made 2-0.
Guess he likes his new number. I really hope the plan isn’t to go into the season with Zinny as our starting LB. Didn’t we just sign a wonder out of Italy, lol.
I was surprised that Calafiori wasn’t on the bench.
🤞 crossed that Timber is back soon.
I don’t know how good Timber will be as a left back. I do know that Tomi is the only one (excluding Calafiori?) that has the ability to shut down anyone in the league (as he’s shown against the likes of Salah) so I hope he’s able to get and stay healthy. It appeared that Kiwior was significantly improving his full back abilities but he still doesn’t seem to be quite there yet.
I’m curious if Calafiori or Gabriel will be the starting left CB (Ramsdale 2.0?). I’ve always sensed that MA hasn’t been completely happy with him in the past and remembering he didn’t start until the 4th game last season.
Calafiori was 100% primarily signed as direct competition to Gabriel and to provide a different option there in certain games. Bayern game stands out, where they essentially left Gabriel completely free in possession because he posed less of a threat.
Still expect Calafiori to play LB in certain situations like Kiwior did.
In terms of LB overall expect the pecking order is Timber/Zinchenko with Tomi/Califiori as options in certain scenarios like Tomi/Kiwior were last year. Will add though that I’d expect less of those scenarios with Timber fit because he’s not as weak defensively. Of course, if White is injured or out of form then Timber would likely be 1st choice on the right and that would open up the left.
What we are likely to start to see is like CIty you’re never quite sure especially at the start of the season what the defence will line up as. Great situation.
I think you are 💯% wrong! Do you honestly think a player as good as Calafiori was signed as a back up and that Zinchenko will be our number one starter at left back? If that’s the position he started tonight it’s because both Timber and Tomiyasu are currently injured and Calafiori wasn’t even in the squad for this friendly.
And Jesus makes it 3-0.
Havertz makes it 4-0
Do we need a striker then HD?
Or are we just being ruthless?!
Hard to say Ken, as I haven’t been that impressed by the BL defence. What I will say is that the young lads that have come on in the second half do look promising.
4-1 now.
HD
It was a pleasant atmosphere at the Emirates tonight. Everyone was in a good mood – plenty of Mexican waves!
Just about everyone on the books got a look in and I actually thought Vieira did ok in Saka’s position and he made a couple of very good passes. Neither did I think that Zinchenko was bad either. It’s difficult to really get a handle on how we looked overall as it was a relatively sporting encounter without too much in the way of cynical challenges or gritty football. Leverkusen were poor but slightly better in the second half. Pity they scored. Havertz was good and Odegaard did a couple of lovely moves and Xhaka got a good round of applause when subbed. I’m now on the train home having been fleeced in the club shop buying my grandsons the new shirts. 😍
SueP, I managed to find a channel to watch the game and agree about Vieira and Zinchenko, who scored a lovely goal. I was a bit disappointed that Ramsdale never got any minutes. It was good that Xhaka got the applause when he went off, he deserved it. Football shirts aren’t cheap these days, but keeping the kids/grandsons happy is worth it.
Agree with your sentiments about Ramsdale- it makes you wonder if he’s leaving. Nketiah didn’t get long on the pitch either. I can never second guess Arteta as Martinelli only replaced Trossard on the left at about 80 minutes
I saw your post to Ken1945 and agree that the youngsters didn’t look out of place although recognising them all wasn’t easy high up in the stands.