Former Liverpool and Manchester United frontman Michael Owen has criticised Arsenal star Granit Xhaka following his controversial Newcastle United post-match interview.
Mikel Arteta's men endured a torrid time on Tyneside on Monday night, losing 2-0 after a Ben White own goal was followed by a late Bruno Guimaraes finish. The result left UEFA Champions League qualification looking extremely unlikely going into the final day, with the north Londoners needing already relegated Norwich City to beat Tottenham Hotspur whilst they must also clinch all three points against Everton.
After the loss against the Magpies, tough-tackling midfielder Xhaka was left unimpressed by some of his teammates' performances, alluding to some young player's inexperience costing the Gunners in the final stretch of the season. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: "If someone isn't ready for this game, stay at home.
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"It doesn't matter your age. If you're nervous, stay on the bench or stay at home." The Swiss captain's comments left the aforementioned Owen bemused, with the former England international criticising the 29-year-old's past behaviour, mentioning his poor discipline record and poor leadership skills.
Speaking on Premier League Daily, Owen said: "As you say, Granit Xhaka coming out and he’s let them down a fair few times over the years. Getting silly sending offs.
"Left them in the lurch. So he doesn’t learn his lesson either.
“If he’s the captain, then he’s not showing a great example, is he to those young players he is supposedly having a go at.”
