Granit Xhaka shines for Arsenal in Southampton draw

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka produced another solid performance during the club’s 1-1 Premier League against Southampton on the road.

The Gunners had the opportunity to register a fifth-straight league win on Sunday, but failed to do so after squandering some clear-cut scoring chances.

Gabriel Jesus was at fault for missing two of those, but the Gunners still came out of the game with a valuable point thanks to Xhaka’s stellar right-footed strike.

The Switzerland international has been in sparkling form for most of the campaign and he scored in the 11th minute at St Mary’s with a first-time half volley.

After three straight 1-0 victories, the Gunners could not hold on this time around, but it could still prove to be a valuable point come the end of the campaign.

Xhaka was certainly the stand-out performer at St Mary’s. Aside from his goal, he provided three key passes including one for Jesus, who should have scored.

The 30-year-old completed 90 per cent of his passes with 72 touches and won 100 per cent of his aerial duels.

The midfielder is currently in the form of his life. He has now made seven goal contributions for Arsenal this term, surpassing his tally from the last two seasons.

Keeping him fit will be essential to the Gunners’ prospects of returning to the Champions League as well as making a strong push for the Premier League title.

Despite the stalemate today, Arsenal are still top of the league standings, two points ahead of holders Manchester City. They face Nottingham Forest next.

Steve Cooper’s side are currently bottom of the league standings but the Gunners should not underestimate them, particularly after their stunning 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com and SofaScore.com