Xhaka hits out at Arsenal teammates after Newcastle loss

Granit Xhaka hit out at his Arsenal team-mates after their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle as he appeared to sugget some of them did not deserve to be on the pitch.

However, Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher hit back at the midfielder, labelling him a disgrace for seemingly criticising the younger members of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal headed to the North East knowing only a victory would see them overtake Tottenham back into fourth, but after a woeful 2-0 defeat they look to have all but thrown away the Champions League place that once looked guaranteed.

However, Xhaka suggested the Gunners do not deserve to secure the coveted top-four spot over their London rivals.

Speaking with Sky Sports after the game, the 29-year-old said: “It’s difficult to find the right words. From the first minute to the 90th we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch.

“I can’t explain to you why. We didn’t do what the game plan was, we were not listening to the coach. What happened was a disaster performance. You don’t deserve to play Champions League or even Europa League [with that display]. It’s very hard to take it at the moment.

“I don’t know why we’re not doing what the coach is asking for us.”

When asked if inexperience in the squad was an issue, Xhaka replied: “If someone isn’t ready for this game, stay at home. It doesn’t matter your age.

“If you’re nervous, stay on the bench or stay at home. You need people to have the balls to come here and play. It’s one of the most important games for us.

“We’re feeling very disappointed for the people who came over here. Sorry to them [fans], I don’t have any other words.

“The dressing room is very quiet. The game plan was totally different to what we did over 90 minutes.

“We are waiting for six years. We had everything in our hands. We looked like we were in the position where Newcastle are and they were where we are.”

Xhaka reiterated his view to BBC Sports before admitting Arsenal still have the chance to snatch fourth on the final day of the season, although that it is no longer in their hands. 

“If Tottenham lose and we win, you never know in football,’ he said. ‘We have to hope.

“Before the game everything was in our hands. It’s a totally different game now. If you have to hope in football and in life it’s different.”