It's a deliberate tactic ever since Arteta took over . Xhaka plays almost like a LCB in a back 3 . Saka was infact very cautious as he didn't go as forward as Kolasinac does . He made a number of good tackles and clearances and I remember in the first half he body checked Fleck and set up a very good chance.He has been playing well but I’m not sure you can properly judge. Xhaka does a lot of work down that side when he’s playing and it seems like this is a tactical decision. How would he deal with it if he was as exposed as Kolasinac or Tierney? Also are we taking away from our midfield play by having Xhaka do this?
Compare Xhaka’s heat map today to when Kolasinac is playing.
Vs Sheffield Utd
Vs Man Utd