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