Granit Xhaka has struck back at his critics and insists Arsenal deserve more credit than they get.
Xhaka came under scrutiny at the weekend after he fouled Heung-min Son to give away a penalty at the 2-2 draw.
Arsenal fought back from 2 goals down to secure a point at the Emirates and Xhaka says the Gunners have been criticised because of their start to the match.
“Obviously critics are constantly here,” he explained. “The north London derby, I believe we had a fantastic match. We might have won if you saw the game although I made a mistake with the penalty.
“We had a lot of opportunities but that is football. About how many people missed the chances are not spoken about by anybody, nobody speaks. They talk about the errors.
“This is part of soccer.”
Xhaka is away on international duty with Switzerland, that face the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Thursday – live on Sky Sports.
Switzerland are in order to focus on his Liverpool career, without Xherdan Shaqiri, that has asked not to be considered for global football.
Reports in Switzerland have suggested Shaqiri is miserable with manager Vladimir Petkovic’s decision to appoint Xhaka as captain of the side.
But, Xhaka has also played down rumours of a rift from the Switzerland camp.
“I am only able to speak about just how important he is with this particular team,” said Xhaka.
“He is a great player, excellent quality. He will help us and we are extremely disappointed that he is not here.
“But we have other players as well who have caliber.
“I really don’t wish to talk about why and what happened, because I don’t know the motives precisely, but we’ve lost a big player for these games.”
Sky’s Guy Havord spoke to Palao Laurenti of all Swiss Radio who succeeded a problem is with federal trainer and Shaqiri.
Laurenti explained:” It was a huge surprise since he’s one of the greatest national players for us.
“It doesn’t look like he’s having the best time at Liverpool, he isn’t playing very much.
“There are a few rumours that the connection between him and the coach aren’t so excellent.
“He anticipated the captain’s armband and people think Shaqiri is mad at the choice.
“We expect him to go back to the squad following the 2 qualifiers against Ireland and Gibraltar.”
Read more here: http://gmanet.unescoicm.org/blog/2019/09/25/las-vegas-odds-favorites-to-win-at-atlanta/
