ARSENAL fans have demanded Matteo Guendouzi replace Granit Xhaka as club captain after the Swiss meltdown against Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old midfielder was taken off at the Emirates on the hour mark as the stadium erupted with Bukayo Saka ready to come on.
But the home supporters were not cheering 18-year-old Saka, they were happy to see Xhakas miserable day come to an end.
As the Gunners skipper strolled off the pitch, at a time his side needed a goal, the fans turned the sarcastic cheers into aggressive booes and jeers.
Xhaka reacted by cupping his ears and seemingly mouthing f*** off twice, to his own supporters.
The civil war caused uproar from fans, who have called for the Swiss midfield partner Guendouzi to be named new captain at just 20-years-old.
Avid Gunners fan Piers Morgan said: “Id make @MatteoGuendouzi captain immediately. Never want to see Xhaka in an Arsenal shirt again. ”
Another said: “THIS SHOULD BE THE CAPTAIN OF OUR CLUB. HES 20 YEARS OLD.”
One wrote: “Matteo Guendouzi, despite being only 20 years old, must be Arsenal captain.
“He has shown drive, determination and urgency at such a young age…he has shown passion and he knows what it is like to be an Arsenal fan.”
Matteo Guendouzi, despite being only 20 years old, must be Arsenal captain.
He has shown drive, determination and urgency at such a young age…he has shown passion and he knows what it is like to be an Arsenal fan.
Thoughts on this, Gooners?
pic.twitter.com/Jne5MlMsyJ
— (@ArsenalHQ19) October 27, 2019
Make him Captain
— Elliot
(@LacaSweat) October 27, 2019
THIS SHOULD BE THE CAPTAIN OF OUR CLUB
HES 20 YEARS OLD
— Samuel
(@AFCSamueI) October 27, 2019
My captain pic.twitter.com/rdKg20StVT
— Gally
Speaking after Arsenal squandered a two goal lead to draw 2-2 against Palace, manager Unai Emery admitted Xhaka was in the wrong for his furious reaction.
Emery said: Xhaka was wrong. Now we need to stay calm and speak to him inside the club about that reaction.
We are here because we have supporters. We play for them and need to respect them, whether they applaud or criticise.
Now is not the time to speak about the captaincy but we are working with every player to manage dealing with the pressure.
We can play with our hearts and sometimes get hot in difficult moments but must always be clever.
Ive had similar in the past but this evening the connection between team and fans was amazing.
There was one small individual incident but they support us and we must respect them.
