Granit Xhaka - The Explosive Fuel on the Growing Arsenal Fire

"It's caring about the beautiful game, about the values we cherish. These group of players has a special quality. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch. Please, as you follow this team, support them next season because they deserve it." Quotes from Arsene Wenger's farewell speech. The morning after the night before, I think everyone associated with the club yesterday; fans, players, captain, head coach, board members, should read these quotes back.

It's fair to say that Unai Emery can feel relieved this morning. Instead of the focus being on Arsenal once again throwing points away with sloppy defending and a worrying lack of creativity, the focus will be on his captain, Granit Xhaka, and the canyon-sized gap between the club and its fans.

There are two sides to every argument. You may sympathise with Xhaka and see this as a human reaction to weeks and months of abuse that culminated in cupping his ear and telling fans to "fu*k off as he trudged off the pitch. Or you may look at it as another average (certainly not his worst) performance in an Arsenal shirt that got him hooked, in which he petulantly strolled off the pitch, further antagonising fans that were already angry at a 2-2, before showing the ultimate act of disrespect to the club and the fans by cupping his ear and swearing at them, before removing his shirt and storming down the tunnel.

Whatever side you sit, it seemed like a big moment for Arsenal Football Club. An anger that had been built and simmering from the summer where we'd squandered Champions League qualification routes in two competitions, not seriously addressed the defensive issues in the side, taken out our main creative source, and handed the captaincy (after far too much waiting) to a player that was certainly not the fans first choice.

Where do we go from here? The silence from the club hierarchy is very Arsenal, hopefully things will be dealt with in house within 24-48 hours and clarity will be given. I personally think there is a place in the squad for Xhaka at least until January, but his days as captain are absolutely numbered.

The mere thought of Adams, Vieira or Henry reacting like that is unthinkable. Then again, the thought of them being subjected to the abuse Xhaka has been is also unthinkable.

"Remember who you are, what you are and who you represent" has never been more necessary as a quote.

@joehurd16