Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been made to regret his comments praising Granit Xhaka after the Swiss midfielder dealt his side a major blow in the Europa League.
The Gunners were able to secure qualification for the knockout rounds last week with Xhaka scoring a crucial goal in the 1-0 win vs PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium. In the reverse fixture though, Arsenal struggled to perform to the high standards they have set so far this term as they lost 2-0 in Holland.
Gunners transfer target Cody Gakpo impressed for PSV last night (Thursday) but had two goals ruled out for offside, with Joey Veerman and Luuk de Jong keeping the Dutch outfit's hopes of finishing top of Group A alive. The defeat now means Arsenal will need a win against FC Zurich in north London, but Xhaka is set to miss the clash after picking up a silly booking against PSV.
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The Swiss has earned plenty of plaudits this term, including club legend Henry with the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder proving to be a far calmer presence, with his performances being a huge reason behind the north Londoners’ brilliant start to the campaign. Speaking to CBS Sports, the French icon said: "Now, Xhaka is better, why? Because he doesn't make the mistakes he used to in front of the defence and he plays higher.
"And he scores goals now, why? Because he is more often in the box.”
Xhaka has cost his team with an avoidable booking against PSV meaning he will be suspended for the final game of Group A against FC Zurich. The 30-year-old attempted to push Dutch youngster Xavi Simons off of the pitch following his substitution as the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona youngster took a slow exit to the sidelines with his side already 2-0 up.
The Swiss midfielder's booking could potentially come back to bite Arsenal who head into their final Europa League group stage clash in somewhat of a tricky position. Arteta's side must either match or better PSV’s result against Bodo/Glimt in order to guarantee top spot in the group, handing them a better chance of an easier tie in the knockout rounds.
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