Arteta blasts Xhaka’s ‘unacceptable’ behaviour after Arsenal defeat to Burnley

MIKEL Arteta was left furious on Sunday night after watching his Arsenal side succumb to yet another home defeat in the Premier League.

The Gunners lost 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to Burnley through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s own goal, their fourth consecutive home defeat in the league, equalling a club record in the top division, which has happened twice previously in 1908 and 1959.

The major turning point on Sunday was the red card shown to Granit Xhaka for violent conduct in the second half when he held the neck of a Burnley player during an argument.

Arteta felt the Swiss midfielder’s behaviour was ‘unacceptable’. When he was asked if he felt let down by Xhaka, Arteta replied in the affirmative.

“Yes, but honestly, I think it was unacceptable to do that action and the players are in a moment that they are so willing to do more and fight more and show how committed they are, to be alive in the game, that on this occasion Granit has overstepped the line,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.

“It’s another action with Mo (Elneny) that I haven’t seen, but it looks similar. We cannot make those mistakes because they’re the wrong approach to what we’re trying to do.

“It’s another really disappointing defeat because of the way we performed, the way we completely dominated the game, the chances we generated.

“They had zero shots on target but instead we lose the game. Obviously the red card changes the game completely. Still, we have to defend the set-piece better and we had some really good moments still with 10 men.

“As you could see, you could not fault what the players are trying to do and how much they are willing. And probably it’s that they are too willing that Granit did what he did. I’m extremely disappointed obviously.

“Burnley made us pay. It’s our mistake. In the Premier League, you have to win the game. It’s not a question, it’s not a doubt. You have to go and win the game. That’s it.”

The defeat to Burnley was Arsenal’s seventh in just 12 Premier League games this season and they are 15th in the table with 13 points, just five points above the relegation zone.

Arteta is however confident his players have not lost their composure.

He said: “No, I wouldn’t say they’re panicking. Again, it’s my opinion, I can see it in training as well that they try and put the energy in.

 “It’s the same today. A team that is struggling (like this) we don’t normally see play the way that they did today, and with the way they played against Spurs, the leaders, but again, we lost the game. 

“We gave the opponent a chance and they scored. And it’s about winning football matches.”

Arsenal’s next two Premier League fixtures are at home to Southampton on Wednesday and away to Everton on Saturday.Attachments area