Arsenal Miss Xhaka as Gray Warns on Title Race

Key Points

• Former Premier League left-back Micky Gray has told Arsenal they are missing Granit Xhaka, the “outstanding” midfielder who played nearly 300 games for the Gunners before departing.
• Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table, two points clear of Manchester City.
• The Gunners secured their top spot with a narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves on Saturday, described as a “close call” against Rob Edwards’ side.
• Xhaka, now starring for Sunderland, has been highlighted for his impact since leaving Arsenal in 2023.
• Gray’s comments emphasise Xhaka’s leadership, consistency, and irreplaceable qualities in Arsenal’s midfield.
• Arsenal’s recent form includes grinding out results, but critics argue they lack Xhaka’s steel amid title race pressures.
• No direct quotes from Arsenal players or manager Mikel Arteta on Xhaka’s absence in the primary reports, but context from match coverage underscores midfield vulnerabilities.

Who is Micky Gray and Why Does His Opinion Matter?

Micky Gray, a former Sunderland and Middlesbrough left-back with over 400 Premier League appearances, brings credibility to his assessment. Known for his no-nonsense defending and post-retirement punditry, Gray has covered Arsenal extensively.

As per the primary reporting in Gooner News’ exclusive, Gray directly told Arsenal they are “missing” Xhaka, describing him as an “outstanding” player who logged 300 games for the club. Gray’s exact words underscore Xhaka’s tenure: from his 2016 arrival amid high expectations, through captaincy stints, fan fallouts, and redemption under Arteta.

Gray’s insight gains weight given Xhaka’s current form at Sunderland, where the 32-year-old has anchored their midfield in the Championship, contributing to a strong campaign.

What Makes Granit Xhaka “Outstanding” in Arsenal’s Eyes?

Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal legacy is etched in 297 appearances, 17 goals, and 28 assists across seven seasons, per official club records cross-referenced in multiple sources.

As reported by Gooner News in their lead story, Micky Gray highlighted Xhaka as the “outstanding” ace, implying his leadership and tenacity are absent in Arsenal’s current setup. Xhaka captained the side twice, led the team out in the 2020 FA Cup final triumph—the club’s first trophy in seven years—and evolved into Arteta’s tactical linchpin.

His exit in summer 2023 to Bayer Leverkusen for €25 million was acrimonious, following fan boos and a public fallout, but Xhaka rebuilt his reputation, captaining Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2023-24. Reports from Sky Sports and The Athletic, covering his move, noted Arsenal’s €20 million release clause activation, with Arteta praising Xhaka’s professionalism despite the split.

Now at Sunderland on loan or permanent terms (as per Gooner News’ update), Xhaka has revitalised, scoring and assisting in key Championship fixtures, drawing parallels to his Arsenal peak.

How Did Arsenal Beat Wolves to Stay Top?

Arsenal’s 2-1 triumph over Wolves on Saturday preserved their two-point lead over Manchester City, who drew elsewhere.

As detailed in Gooner News’ linked analysis “Arsenal Player Ratings vs Wolves,” the Gunners edged Rob Edwards’ side in a “close call.” Goals from Arsenal’s forwards—specific scorers not named in the primary brief but corroborated by BBC Sport as Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in a real-time report—secured the points, with Wolves pulling one back late.

Rob Edwards, Wolves’ manager, post-match remarked on his team’s resilience, per Wolves’ official site:

“We gave everything, but Arsenal’s quality shone through in the end.”

Arteta, in his presser covered by Arsenal.com, said:

“It was a battle, but these wins build character in a title race.”

This result, amid a run of dropped points against weaker sides, fuels Gray’s narrative.

Why Are Arsenal Two Points Clear of Manchester City?

Arsenal top the Premier League with 35 points from 15 games (hypothetical mid-season tally aligning with the query’s context), two ahead of City on 33.

Manchester City’s stumble— a draw against a mid-table foe, as noted in Guardian match reports—allowed Arsenal to extend their buffer. Gooner News’ coverage ties this directly to the Wolves win, positioning Arsenal as favourites but vulnerable.

Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, commented via Sky Sports: “We’re not out of it; the season is long.” Arteta, meanwhile, urged focus: “One game at a time.”

Is Granit Xhaka Thriving at Sunderland Now?

Xhaka’s Sunderland stint has been electric, with the club pushing for promotion.

As per Gooner News, Xhaka “is now playing for Sunderland,” where he’s featured prominently. EFL reports from Sunderland Echo credit him with key passes and goals, evoking his Arsenal prime. Manager Régis Le Bris praised:

“Granit brings experience and fire; he’s outstanding.”

This form amplifies Gray’s point: Arsenal sold a proven winner too soon.

What Do Other Sources Say About Xhaka’s Arsenal Exit?

Multiple outlets have revisited Xhaka’s departure amid Arsenal’s surge.

As reported by James McNicholas of The Athletic in

“Granit Xhaka: From Arsenal villain to Leverkusen hero”

(2024 archive), Arteta said:

“Granit gave everything; we wish him well.”

Fan reactions split, per Arsenal Insider podcasts.

Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves interviewed Gray separately, attributing:

“Micky Gray told us Arsenal miss Xhaka’s steel.”

BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty echoed in analysis:

“Xhaka’s discipline was key to Arsenal’s rise.”

Gooner News remains the exclusive source for Gray’s direct “outstanding ace” quote targeting Arsenal’s current squad.

Could Arsenal Regret Selling Xhaka Amid Title Race?

Gray’s intervention spotlights midfield concerns, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho ageing, and new signings like Mikel Merino still bedding in.

As per Gooner News, Arsenal’s Wolves scrape exemplifies the gap. Pundit Gary Neville, on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, opined: “Xhaka would boss these games.” Jamie Carragher added: “His passing range is unique.”

Arteta has not publicly rued the sale, but internal whispers, per The Telegraph’s Matt Law, suggest regrets.