Granit Xhaka believes former side Arsenal can still win the Premier League despite falling to a 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa last Sunday.
On the same afternoon that the ex-Gunner was crowned a Bundesliga winner with new side Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka's old team were on the wrong end of a shock scoreline on their own patch. For all of their first-half dominance, Arsenal were left reeling by two late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins.
In turn, Mikel Arteta's men missed out on the chance to go top of the table and instead now sit second, two points adrift of league leaders and reigning champions Manchester City. Xhaka was part of an Arsenal squad last term that came close to winning the Premier League, only to be overtaken by Pep Guardiola's side at a similar time of the season.
However, the Switzerland international has made clear all hope for the Gunners is not lost just yet. Asked if Arsenal can still end their two decade wait for a title this year, Xhaka explained: "For sure, I think that Bonni [Victor Boniface] they lost today two zero against Aston Villa.
"Yeah, but still very close - I am still in contact with many team-mates, with the club. I wish them nothing but luck and hopefully they can do it this year because last year was very close, hopefully they can do it this year."
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It is clear Xhaka still harbours plenty of affection for the Gunners. Before the turn of the calendar year, he told the Athletic about the goosebumps he felt as fans pleaded with him to stay at the end of last season when it became clear he was bound for Leverkusen.
However, he did admit how he was hurt that the Arsenal hierarchy didn't offer him a contract extension towards the end of last term. The Gunners' loss has undeniably been Leverkusen's gain.
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Granit Xhaka's Bayer Leverkusen are creating history but he still wishes Arsenal well (Getty Images)"On one hand I was a bit sad (that Arsenal didn’t want to extend), but on the other hand I was also quite happy because I didn’t like that uncertainty," Xhaka revealed.
"Leverkusen’s plan for me was clear. Leaving Arsenal after seven years wasn’t easy on an emotional level after all the good and the bad things, but it was totally the right decision. I’m happy it worked out so well."
Xhaka's current outfit may have already wrapped up the title, but more silverware could soon follow. Leverkusen are on the verge of the Europa League semi-finals and already have a DFB Pokal final date with FC Kaiserslautern late next month.
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