Xhaka hit out at his teammates, after Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle derail their campaign last season, making them miss out on UCL
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has fired a warning to his teammates ahead of their clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
The Gunners returned to winning ways on Wednesday night after they beat struggling London neighbours, Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s men scored three first-half goals through Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus before the Blues, who have been shy in front of goal, got a consolation goal via Noni Madueke.
The derby win for Arsenal helped them leapfrog Man City and took them back to the top of the Premier League table, but they now face a much sterner test in their next fixture against Newcastle.
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The Magpies, who are currently third in the table, held the north London club to a draw in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.
More importantly, it was Newcastle that defeated Arsenal and stopped them from qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last season.
After the game, Xhaka had hit out at his Arsenal colleagues in an angry rant, accusing them of not listening to the manager and being unable to handle the pressure.
However, speaking with Sky Sports after the Gunners’ victory against Frank Lampard’s side on Wednesday, Xhaka said Arsenal players must learn from the loss against Newcastle last season.
He also admitted The Magpies outplayed them during the match last year.
He said, “We don’t forget the game we had there last season.
“I have to be honest, they destroyed us. They were much, much better, they wanted it more.
“We have to go there and show them we are ready and why we are where we are”