Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has urged fans to continue to get behind the team following Saturday's disappointing 1-1 draw against Brentford.
The Gunners were frustrated by Thomas Frank's deep block, with the Bees also threatening in transition on a multitude of occasions. Bryan Mbeump found the back of the net early in the first half, although referee Peter Bankes has already blown his whistle for a foul a few seconds prior to the Cameroonian's clever finish.
Eventually, Mikel Arteta's side began to turn the screw after the break and January signing Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock after some nifty work from Bukayo Saka down the right flank. However, the north Londoners' lead was short-lived as Brentford striker Ivan Toney netted from close range just eight minutes after Trossard's finish.
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The home side were unable to strike again as the two sides shared the spoils, a result that leaves Arsenal six points clear at the top of the league standings having now played the same number of matches as second-placed City. After the full-time whistle, Swiss international Xhaka took to social media to send a message to the Gunners supporters, calling them a vital part of the team.
His Instagram post read: "Frustrating afternoon. We’ll analyse it, learn from it and move on. Stick with us - you’re all such a vital part of this team (heart emoji) #GX34 #arsenal."
City take on Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon before Pep Guardiola's men travel to the capital to take on Mikel Arteta and co. at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The Gunners will be desperate to secure all three points over the Citizens, a feat they have failed to manage since December 2015 when Arsene Wenger and Mauricio Pellegrini managed Arsenal and City respectively.
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