Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka slams players for ignoring Arteta in Newcastle loss – ‘Need balls’

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka launched a scathing attack on his teammates following the Gunners’ dismal 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday. The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side needing a miracle to qualify for the Champions League going into the final game of the season.

Arsenal would require a win against Everton and for Tottenham to lose to already-relegated Norwich. And Xhaka was left seething as he came off the field at St James’ Park.

“It’s difficult to find the right words,” he told Sky Sports. “From the first minute to the 90th we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch.

“I can’t explain to you why. We didn’t do what the game plan was, not listening to the coach. What happened was a disaster performance. You don’t deserve to play Champions League or even Europa League. It’s very hard to take it at the moment.

“I don’t know why we’re not doing what the coach is asking for us.”

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