Xhaka: Arsenal were favourites for the Premier League a week ago, now it’s changed | OneFootball

Grant Xhaka says Arsenal were favourites for the Premier League and arguably the Champions League one week ago, but following recent results their situation is much different.

Arsenal went into the recent Premier League weekend top of the league but were dealt a major blow in the title race following a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

Their quest for Champions League glory is not quite as precarious, but Mikel Arteta’s side face a challenging test away to Bayern Munich in the quarter final second-leg following a 2-2 draw at the Emirates last week.

Arsenal’s chances of winning both trophies has been hindered following what has been a tricky week for the Gunners, but victory tonight would certainly boost morale. Progression to the next round would be the club’s first appearance in a Champions League semi-final since 2009.

Former Arsenal midfielder Xhaka, who came close to winning the Premier League with the club last season, spent seven years in north London. Despite enduring a mixed time at Arsenal, Xhaka maintains a good relationship with the club and the fans following his move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.

In his first season with the German clubs, the 31-year-old has already secured the Bundesliga- the club’s first league title in their 119 year history- and are in pole position to make the semi finals of the Europa League, carrying a 2-0 lead into their quarter final second leg tie with West Ham at the London Stadium this Thursday.

In the press conference leading up to the game, Xhaka was asked about Arsenal’s chances of winning silverware this season and if he still keeps in touch with his former club.

He said: “One week ago Arsenal were favourites in the Premier League and maybe even the Champions League as well, one week later, it’s the opposite.

“This is part of the game of football. They know that I support them. Seven years at a football club is always special so that’s why of course they will always be in my heart for sure but let’s see what happens today [against Bayern Munich] and may the better team go through.

“There is still contact with Arsenal, the coaches, the players and of course I have got a lot of messages [about winning the league].”