Arsenal manager Unai Emery has talked up the qualities of Granit Xhaka after deciding to hand the captain's armband to the midfielder.

Despite continuing to divide opinion among the club's fanbase, the Switzerland international was given extra responsibility for the Premier League clash against Watford.

Much has been made of Xhaka's errors in the middle of the pitch, although Emery has insisted that too much is made of the 26-year-old's performances.

Ahead of the game with the Hornets, Emery told reporters: "We've been speaking – mistake, recognise that mistake, learn, correct, improve and after repeat with success.

"Every player makes mistakes, only some are magnified because the consequence is more, but I am really focused on the good things, on the positive performances and Xhaka has a big character and is very important for us.

"He played a very good match against Tottenham, he made a mistake that was a penalty, he knows and we are working to improve, to change that mistake in one process."

Xhaka has made 137 appearances in his three years at the Emirates Stadium.