Granit Xhaka is convinced that Arsenal have answered their critics by coming back from 1-0 down to beat Swansea on Saturday.

The Gunners beat Swansea 2-1 at the weekend after once again going 1-0 down. This is the third time in a week that Arsene Wenger’s side have gone a goal behind before having to fight back for the win. And Xhaka believes this shows ‘character’.

“Lots of people talk about the character of our team, that it’s not right and that we need to do more,” Xhaka said, reports Arsenal.com. “But we always show that we can come back. Today we were 1-0 down, last week we were 1-0 down, but we turned the games around and that shows the character of this team.”

‘Character’ has quickly become 2017/18’s ‘mental strength’. Although the boss still nods back to his favourite phrase, this term, it’s all about Arsenal’s character. The media think Wenger’s side lacks it and the Gunners seem to believe they have it because they can win a game after conceding.

xhaka everton
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal and Idrissa Gueye of Everton battle for possession during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on October 22, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

I’m sure most Gooners would agree with me that Arsenal shouldn’t be going 1-0 down in the first place. Perhaps that would show more character…

Xhaka hasn’t had the best season so far and, like the rest of the team, has been receiving quite a bit of flack from pundits and fans. However, the midfielder has looked far more solid over the past week during Arsenal’s Premier League matches against Everton and Swansea.

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The only way Xhaka and Arsenal can prove their ‘character’ to the rest of the world is by being consistent. And, as I’ve already said, by not going behind in the first place.

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