Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka got himself red-carded in today’s narrow 2-1 victory over Burnley, and he has come under criticism for his actions.
The Swiss international arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, and has already gotten himself sent off twice in the Premier League already.
Pundit and former football star Jamie Redknapp has now moved to slam Xhaka’s actions, and his actions can hardly be defended, especially as he has also been guilty of giving away unnecessary free-kicks and penalties also this term.
Jamie said: “Granit Xhaka is not a nasty player but far too often the red mist descends and he makes reckless tackles.
“He was rightly sent off for a brainless two-footed lunge against Burnley yesterday and could have cost Arsenal a vital three points.
“That was Xhaka’s second red card of the season for his club and he can have no complaints. You simply cannot jump into tackles with both feet off the ground.
“Xhaka has plenty of talent but sometimes when a player lacks a little bit of pace they dive into challenges to make up ground.
“There is no reason why he cannot change but it will be up to Arsene Wenger and Xhaka’s team-mates to help him channel his energy in the right way.”
Luckily we have Francis Coquelin back fit to fill in following Xhaka’s red-card, which will be followed by a compulsory three-match ban, although the French enforcer marked his return from injury by giving away a penalty today too.
If Xhaka cant control his temperament, there may be need to look at our central options for next term, especially with Santi Cazorla’s contract up in the summer, as well as his injury record proving worrying even if he was to sign an extension.
Can Xhaka settle and find a level head? Do we NEED ANOTHER defensive option to Le Coq and Granit?
Pat J
He should know that he is playing for a top of the table team and not a mid table team so a lost means a lot.
His irresponsible action almost cost us points.
He needs to learn.
Hopefully he will improve. He is a quality player but needs to control his anger
He should try meditation and focus on his playing skills. Don’t think too much other than playing
Anger?
He just gave the the ball away and was trying to recover for his mistake. Poor judgment … Yes. Great acting from Burnley player… Yes.
Hardly contacted the block head, yellow at best IMHO
Anger …no.
But what is quality about him? Ive been watching him game in game out we are nearing february now and are yet to see a £35m performance from him. Man even the basics like simply defending and not giving away silly fouls and penalties he is unable to do. For me he is a waste of money…Mustafi came after him and has already proven himself.
I’ve watched this tackle a dozen times & still think the red was harsh.
The red card was deserved, the challenge was unnecessary
guys Xhaka is by far better than Ramsey. Wenger should have start with Coq and Xhaka, So even when Xhaka go to Help attack Coq would have Cover for him.
Ramsey played like Striker yesterday leaving Xhaka alone..
There’s no need to defend Xhaka,if it was arsenal player that received that type of Challenge,wouldn’t we all agree that the player deserved it? Xhaka needs to learn that its not a crime to lose possession and when he does,he simply put pressure on the opponent and not dive into a reckless tackle. That’s Wenger job
A very well deserved booking that was and for me it’s one of those things from a player that is always ready to give 100% for his club but Arsene need to do some talking to him and i tick Xhaka for the team future assistant captain and captain.
A very well deserved booking that was and for me it’s one of those things from a player that is always ready to give 100% for his club but Arsene need to do some talking to him and i tick Xhaka for the team future assistant captain and captain. This may be off topic but i think the ref need to be sanctioned for absolute lack of control, the Burnley guys ought to have been cautioned from first half but he publish Arsenal for almost every bookable offence when the other guys are having a free booking day… Poor officiating from Moss for the second time this season against Arsenal.
xhake is a walking timebomb. i remember saying those words here back in september, but of course all the know alls went straight for my throat . now it seems it is acceptable that xhaka is indeed a liability. how times cgange.
It should not be so difficult at this level to remember that when you tackle with both feet leaving the ground it is an automatic red card. You leave yourself at the mercy of the ref.
I have to say, for me, the jury is still out on Xhaka and on whether he was a good signing or not for that kind of money.
I am not saying that because of the red cards, Vieirra also got his fair share. I am also not saying it because of the penalty he gave away, Coq gives them away as well. I just think he is taking his sweet time getting used to the PL and I am starting to worry that his lack of speed or “burst” is making him a liability.
Has he been £25 million better than Elneny?
agree on the jury being out … though on the tackle i really didnt see both feet leaving the ground, his left leg drags along …. a good indication of the harshness of the tackle is the commentary on MOTD where whoever it was just saw a clumsy tackle and nothing more … the elbowing in the face of mustafi (twice) was actually way more violent and went unpunished … though i hate the blaming the ref mentality of wenger the guy yesterady was worse than poor
Dock him 1 months wages and keep on the line for the rest of the season.