Arsene Wenger: Referees target Arsenal's Granit Xhaka because of his reputation
Saturday 18 March 2017 12:28, UK
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes midfielder Granit Xhaka has become a victim of his tough-tackling.
The 24-year-old Switzerland international arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer as Wenger shelled out in excess of £30m to prise Xhaka away from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The former Basle youngster came with a reputation for collecting red cards and was given his marching orders by referee Jon Moss in the 3-2 win over Swansea later that month.
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Xhaka established himself in Wenger's side over the Christmas period before another sending-off against Burnley on January 22 saw him become the player in Europe's top five leagues with the most red cards since the start of last season - and he has racked up nine in three years.
"I believe that he is now in a position where on the first foul he gets a yellow card. For example on Saturday [against Lincoln] - first foul, soft yellow card," the Arsenal boss said ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at West Brom, live on Sky Sports.
"So he is a victim a little bit of his reputation. You see tackles of some players who are much worse than what he did who don't even get a yellow card and he got a straight red and because he had a history of that in Germany I think he is a bit of a victim of that.
"Overall he is quite in a positive way, he masters himself much better. He was maybe a little bit before looking too much to impress but overall he has to stay on this ground because it is tackling that can get him sent off. When he defends well, staying on his feet he is a fair player."
Wenger has previously raised questions over Xhaka's technique and conceded he is still concerned by how the midfielder goes into a challenge.
Asked if he still has a problem, Wenger replied: "Yes, I agree. The way he tackles is not to hurt people, it is more the consequence of the fact that he doesn't master well the technique of tackling.
"He has improved a lot since he has arrived I think but he still has to work, yes, on his one against one - you can always improve."
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