Alan Shearer has slammed Granit Xhaka for his calling out of Arsenal teammates.
Xhaka was left furious with the Gunners’ performance against Newcastle United on Monday when they lost 2-0.
The defeat was a costly one, with Mikel Arteta’s men giving up their advantage in the race for a top four spot.
Tottenham now have control of fourth, and they can wrap up Champions League football with a win on the final day.
It was a very disappointing performance from Arsenal at St James’ Park, and it could have been many more than two goals from the hosts.
After the game, Xhaka said that some players should ‘stay at home’ if they are not going to perform.
But Match of the Day pundit Shearer was not impressed with the midfielder’s comments.
Shearer told Premier League Productions, as per HITC: “One thing that isn’t acceptable is for anyone in football to say is ‘the other team worked harder than us’.
“That’s free. Everyone can work hard. You shouldn’t be in that kit if you don’t work hard, that’s a given. And that was the case for Arsenal and the other night against Tottenham. Out-thought and out-fought.
“I understand why the emotions will be anger and will be hurt. But I don’t like what Granit Xhaka said in terms of the youngsters. ‘If you can’t handle it, then don’t come. Or sit on the bench’.
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“He wasn’t exactly brilliant because he was poor as well, so he had to hold his hands up, so he wasn’t good enough, not just the youngsters.
“So, that was slightly disappointing to hear from an experienced player.”
Arsenal must now win on the final day and hope Tottenham drop points against already relegated Norwich City.
Otherwise, it will be Europa League football for the Gunners, despite leading the Champions League charge for so long.
We are even lucky to qualify for Europa. Our Arsenal is still not what it should be but blaming Zhacka for telling like it is hides the weakness that is in the team. What Xhacka highlighted is weakness that we don’t even point out. Player like Saka is constantly allowed to get away with doing the bare minimum. He did not disturb opponents instead waited to get a fine pass or deliver one. This did not happen and Pepe was brought in very late to do what the genius failed to do.
Another shortcoming is lack of tactics by Arteta. To take off CB in a match we are 1-0 down and 15minutes to go is stupid to say the least.
Arsenal still have a chance to play champion league,Arsenal to on Sunday and Tottenham to lose
Arsenal will win
Very true
I personally agree with Granit Xhaka. Imagine the whole Arsenal team played shit. They never bothered how important the game was. Being Outplayed by ordinary Newcastle who have nothing to play for really hurts most Arsenal fans. We need worriors in the team. But its still fine because it tells us that we still have alot to do in order to compete in the champions league. Our current team can’t compete in the champions league where your hard work determine where you’ll be in the next game.