Granit Xhaka’s first season in English football hasn’t been the success story he would have hoped for, or that Arsenal supporters predicted.

On paper, the Switzerland international was just the player they needed. The Gunners have often lacked an imposing midfielder, so Xhaka’s aggressive approach and combative nature should have sealed some of the cracks in their XI, while his technical prowess hinted that he could do the dirty work and contribute to the way Arsene Wenger likes to play football.

However, a few showreel long-range goals aside, the 24-year-old has not impressed, with yellow and red cards the major talking point surrounding him. Xhaka was heavily criticised on Sunday for his part in Manchester City’s second goal and although he was not alone in being blamed, his lack of urgency when tracking back was worrying, as was his all-round performance.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man needed to respond vs. West Ham at the Emirates Stadium last night, which he certainly did…

Xhaka was involved in all that was good about Arsenal’s play as they dispatched their London opponents 3-0, playing the most passes on the pitch (120), while his 133 touches of the ball were OVER DOUBLE the highest tally any West Ham player managed. On top of this, the midfielder completed four tackles, made three key passes and won two aerial duels, all while maintaining a passing accuracy of 89%.

Not a bad day at the office, Xhaka!