Fans hail Xhaka's leadership as clip of Arsenal star 'calming down' Gabriel in last minute against Leeds goes viral | The Sun

ARSENAL fans have praised Granit Xhaka's leadership qualities after he calmed down defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the closing stages of a dramatic 1-0 win over Leeds.

Mikel Arteta's men were desperately clinging on in stoppage-time at Elland Road – a game which was postponed for 40 minutes due to a power outage at the stadium.

Arsenal thought they were on the verge of throwing away their slim lead right at the death when Gabriel kicked out at Patrick Bamford inside the penalty area.

Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot and showed the Brazilian centre-back a straight red card.

But VAR then informed the official to head over to the pitchside monitor as replays appeared to show Bamford fouling Gabriel before the Arsenal man's subsequent kick out.

And Kavanagh overturned his decision, waving away Leeds' penalty AND Gabriel's dismissal.

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Yet despite the major reprieve for Arsenal, Gabriel remained furious and pumped up.

This led to former Gunners skipper Xhaka – who was stripped of the captaincy back in 2019 – to go over to Gabriel and forcefully calm him down.

It was an exchange caught by the cameras, with those on social media loving the intervention from the Swiss midfielder.

One Arsenal supporter said: "Loved how Xhaka told Gabriel to wake up. My captain."

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Another added: "Xhaka is the real captain of this team. Odegaard just has the armband."

A third said: "Loving the love for Xhaka these days, he's earned it 👍."

And a fourth added: "Again Xhaka showing his experience calming Gabriel down after the sending off was overturned.

"He really has had a stellar season so far."

Xhaka has enjoyed a complete turnaround in relations with the Arsenal fanbase.

He was vilified three years ago, shouting at supporters after they booed him off the pitch.

Manager Unai Emery then removed him as captain, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang taking over the role.

Now, though, Xhaka is a fan-favourite at the club and is producing some of the best football of his career, helping Arsenal to open up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

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And his inspirational leadership is something Gunners supporters are enjoying just as much as his performances.

He is often acting as a second captain on the pitch, with Martin Odegaard officially being handed the armband in the summer.

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