Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka was back at Emirates Stadium for the first time last night since he left Arsenal in the summer. The Switzerland international joined the Bundesliga club after seven seasons with the Gunners, and he took...

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka was back at Emirates Stadium for the first time last night since he left Arsenal in the summer.

The Switzerland international joined the Bundesliga club after seven seasons with the Gunners, and he took time out to watch his old team against West Ham United on Thursday as the German top-flight is currently on break.

Xhaka took to Instagram shortly before the game to share his feelings about Arsenal, and it is clear to see how much he still loves the club.

Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, the reunion ended in defeat as the Hammers ran out 2-0 winners after goals from Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

West Ham had an opportunity to go 3-0 up, but David Raya saved Said Benrahma’s 96th-minute penalty to keep the scoreline respectable.

Arsenal signed Declan Rice as Xhaka’s replacement in a £105 million deal, and while the England international has often impressed since his arrival, he was not at his best last night, bringing down a West Ham player in the box and handing his former side a penalty as a result.

The Gunners are hoping to go one better this term after finishing second last season, and the Swiss star will be supporting them from afar.

Xhaka surely misses Arsenal but has been enjoying his time at Leverkusen so far, with his team currently top of the Bundesliga table after 16 games.

They are also unbeaten and will be desperate to become the first team apart from Bayern Munich to win the title since 2013.

Arsenal are also hoping to win the Premier League having last done so in 2004, and while they have a solid squad, they may need to sign a quality striker next month to boost their chances.

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