The mood caught fire quickly and all of a sudden the Emirates was engulfed by an emotional maelstrom. Behind the North Bank goal, reactions erupted when fans noticed Granit Xhaka walking off slowly, simmering, as he was substituted. The ironic cheers swirled around the stadium, which then morphed into boos. But while many joined the buzz that would humiliate and provoke the player into a sweary riposte, others in the feverish crowd felt staggered, appalled, that a groundswell could turn on the Arsenal captain — whoever he is and however trying his limitations may be.



Down on the touchline it was all too much for Lucas Torreira. The Uruguayan turned around and looked aghast at the fans that lined the tunnel. He outstretched his arms as if to ask: What the hell is this? He grew so upset he was actually moved to tears, standing there on the edge of the grass Xhaka had walked across on his tortuous route away from the pitch to get the hell out of there. Hector Bellerin...