Arsenal Boss Speaks On 2 – 2 Draw With Liverpool

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has aired his opinion on the behaviour of midfielder Granit Xhaka during their 2-2 draw at Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and many pundits have criticized Xhaka for firing up both the Liverpool players and the crowd, and called the Switzerland international an ‘absolutely idiotic’.

But Arteta was not convinced it was that big a factor that led to Liverpool’s comeback and is reluctant to criticise the midfielder after his squabble with Trent Alexander-Arnold was credited with firing up Liverpool.

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus fired the Gunners 2-0 up under 28 minutes with Liverpool looking disorganised and brittle at the back.

But shortly before half-time, Xhaka was involved in a confrontation with Alexander-Arnold, trusting an elbow towards the full-back before squaring up to him.

Both players were shown a yellow card and a previously quiet Anfield crowd suddenly ignited, with Mohamed Salah then pulling one back for the Reds moments later.

Liverpool took control of the game from that point onwards, missing a penalty and a host of great chances.

Asked if the Xhaka incident contributed to Liverpool’s comeback, Arteta replied:

“I don’t know if that’s the case.

“We had a big chance after that. If we score 3-0, maybe the crowd doesn’t get too excited.

“But after that, they scored a goal and that changed the momentum and the hope.”