Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has slammed his teammates following a “catastrophe” of a efficiency towards Newcastle United on Monday.
Arsenal started the day two factors behind Tottenham Hotspur within the league, figuring out that fourth place and a spot within the Champions League was nonetheless inside their grasp.
Mikel Arteta’s staff, nevertheless, had been bullied, outfought, and outplayed by the Magpies at St James’ Park, and had been lucky to not be dropping earlier than half-time.
“So tough to search out the precise phrases, we got here right here to point out a distinct sport however from the primary minute to the ninetieth we did not need to be on the pitch,” Xhaka informed Sky Sports activities Information.
“I can’t clarify to you why [our performance was poor]. We did not do what the sport plan was, not listening to the coach and doing our personal issues, and once you do your individual issues these video games occur.
“What occurred was a catastrophe efficiency. Like this you do not need to play the Champions League, you do not even need to play Europa League. It’s totally arduous to take it in the intervening time, I do not know why we aren’t doing what the coach is asking of us.
“If somebody is not prepared for this sport, keep at residence. Easy as that. Does not matter the age – you might be 30, you might be 35, you might be 10, you might be 18, if you’re not prepared for that or nervous, keep on the bench or keep at residence. Do not come right here.
“We’d like folks to have balls, sorry to say that, to come back right here to play as a result of we knew this sport was probably the most necessary video games for us. If you carry out like this, it is unacceptable.
“I really feel very very unhappy for us, very upset, and really very sorry for the those who came to visit right here to assist us, the Arsenal supporters. This isn’t the way in which we needed to go, I can solely make an apology to them, I haven’t got another phrases.”
On the final day of the season, the Gunners will host Everton on the Emirates, however Tottenham can win a top-four spot with some extent towards bottom-placed Norwich Metropolis.
