Emery defends Xhaka as boss prepares to make under-fire star Arsenal’s new captain

UNAI EMERY has defended Granit Xhaka amid speculation he is about to name him Arsenal captain.

Gunners fans were furious with the Swiss international after a typically reckless challenge conceded a penalty in the 2-2 North London derby a fortnight ago.

Xhaka, 26, wore the armband against Tottenham and Emery is set to name his new club captain next week.

The Arsenal boss said: “We’ve been speaking — mistake, recognise that mistake, learn, correct, improve and after repeat with success.

“Every player makes mistakes, only some are magnified because the consequence is more.

“But I am really focused on the good things, on the positive performances and Xhaka has a big character and is very important for us.

“He played a very good match against Tottenham, he made a mistake that was a penalty, he knows and we are working to improve, to change that mistake in one process.”

Emery believes Xhaka brings something to the Arsenal midfield that no one else in his squad can.

The Spaniard added: “Of course, he gives us a very good balance in the middle with the ball and without the ball. I think he is very important for us.

“We can talk about the defects for every player, for him also, but we can speak about positive things, the very positive performances he gives us in most matches.”