Granit Xhaka has many qualities, but curiously for a holding midfielder, timing his challenges is not one of them.
The Swiss international was handed a start in Arsenal's midfield alongside Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreria for Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates.
Unai Emery backed Xhaka over the likes of Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock, but his decision backfired as the 26-year-old conceded a disastrous penalty to allow Spurs to go 2-0 up.
With Mauricio Pochettino's side already leading 1-0 courtesy of a Christian Eriksen tap-in following an error by Bernd Leno after 10 minutes, Xhaka went diving into a challenge on Heung-min Son inside his own penalty area five minutes before half-time.
Xhaka had no chance of winning the ball and left referee Martin Atkinson with no option but to point to the spot, with the only saving grace for Arsenal that Xhaka avoided potentially serious punishment by virtue of failing to catch Son further up his leg after jumping in with his studs showing.
Kane duly beat Leno from the spot, and Xhaka's mistake drew the ire of fans an pundits alike.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville - commentating on the match for Sky Sports - was unimpressed by Xhaka's challenge, saying: "I don't think I've watched a game where Xhaka's not made a challenge like that.
"It's absolutely ridiculous from a senior player," before adding a cutting: "An experienced player who has never played with experience."
Zicacdiyz
0
Neville is paid to talk like that
Xhaka is a trash and he’s the reason why arsenal didn’t qualify for champions league
RichkingKrah
0
I’m talking about Chelsea history team
Gary was trashy and caused penalties more often like brown or O’Shea did
Optibanks
0
As if Gary was a better player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
I’m talking about Chelsea history team
JD81
0
Before Xhaka finish his career, the number penalties he concedes will be greater than the number of red cards Ramos received in his career.
sazikmpyz
0
arsenal
RichkingKrah
0
Do u have any better 2 than him ?
When did start watching football,you ever heard of Cafu?
Mboy_Swag04
1
Xhaka + Guendouzi is a horrendous midfield 🤡. Even worse than United’s at least we have Pogba
Optibanks
0
As if Gary was a better player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Do u have any better 2 than him ?
Podoski007
1
that is what Neville is good at, ridiculing players
Ninoaugust
0
Neville critics again[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] He didn’t concede a penalty in his career
TinyBac
2
To be honest, get xhaka out of the lineup
robscoolkays
2
Good analysis there Gary.. ..not biased this time....can't wait for you to say Man U are playing under 21's.
Don_Baba
2
As if Gary was a better player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Alan_Alvarez81
0
Neville is absolutely on point here. Xhaka has to go, he is not worthy!!
Exactly. Probably the first thing I agree with what Neville has said.
wiuklostz
4
Arsenal will continue to keep dropping down the table if Xhaka continues to play!! Points will continue to be lost. If Emery hasn't noticed the wins have ceased ever since putting Xhaka on the pitch!! He is a liability, sell this imposter!!
wiuklostz
2
Neville is absolutely on point here. Xhaka has to go, he is not worthy!!
MohamadAlmea
0
He should use a little experience to learn to be on his feet in the 18 yard box ...captain are supposed to lead the team and not to mislead the team by committing the same mistakes over and over again without learning from it...
Absolutely right Emry has to understand the basic rule off CDM : 1- Has to be Clever 2- knows how to tackle 3- has quick thinking & action Xhaka has non of these basic he just has a good long ball .
Bazbcdnsz
0
futsek Neville now had become part of Arsenal?u are always having an attitude on other clubs
penalty is a risk of underpressure ,its alwys available to any player not only him...Xhaka had been phenom for Arsenal ,he must critisise his side with record defensiv signing but woes
Utd4life
0
futsek Neville now had become part of Arsenal?u are always having an attitude on other clubs
He is right tbf
lukzlat910
0
Says a man Utd fan [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Yeah now our defence is stronger its our attack now that's complete and utter sh*te
posdinptz
0
Arsenal defence in reality [Crylaugh]
[image]
Says a man Utd fan [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Zicacdiyz
0
Neville is paid to talk like that
He’s right
MOSahinJalloh
1
the man that never concede penalty is now talking
Vapceloruy
1
look at our good free-kick takers
nueklmnorz
0
Xhaka need to play league one nt Arsenal
Charlesugwu
1
What do you expect when you play Xhaka in the defense?
Bazbcdnsz
3
futsek Neville now had become part of Arsenal?u are always having an attitude on other clubs
Kosacepry
6
Xhaka must play from bench he don’t deserve captainship band
bisckmnoy
3
Neville is paid to talk like that
Heuadeinrs
0
I Reis my complain early concerning xhaka mentality ,for sure xhaka is not the kind of players i like
nutmegprince
0
The two are not playing the same wing
in a 4-2-3-1 formation you can use just torreira and guendouzi and bench xhaka
Hihbnty
0
xhaka's tackle was just dumb, thank God guendouzi is stepping up, soon he might bench xhaka
The two are not playing the same wing
Hihbnty
1
YOU ARE ON POINT
tecilnty
3
He Arsenal: you may didn’t win the game on the number but you did win the hurts of your fans! You played bravely and with guts. Thank you 😊
PrinceTaiwo
0
It is so crazy, i can't still factor it out henmmm
naelkayyali
1
both teams have Liverpool and man city a good gift
nutmegprince
1
xhaka's tackle was just dumb, thank God guendouzi is stepping up, soon he might bench xhaka
vobcdklmyz
0
Where Ozil ooo. When will Emery bring on Ozil. We need his fantastic skills. I thought every coach uses their best in games like this. What is happening to Emery. Pls someone should advice him before he repeats the mistake of last year. Up Gunners!!!
ozil to do what??? this match wasn't for ozil
Boxheadnyc
2
xhaka gotta go. he makes that kind of challenge time and time again.
Cuadmopy
1
Where Ozil ooo. When will Emery bring on Ozil. We need his fantastic skills. I thought every coach uses their best in games like this. What is happening to Emery. Pls someone should advice him before he repeats the mistake of last year. Up Gunners!!!
Rieeilmuy
1
This reckless tackle by Xhaka has caused Arsenal a draw despite the fact that they dominate after the break yet they could not capitalize on Tottenham silky depence to get the needed 3 points.
franknwalker
6
XHAKA the penalty supplier ✊💯😅😂😂
Kamish
3
He should use a little experience to learn to be on his feet in the 18 yard box ...captain are supposed to lead the team and not to mislead the team by committing the same mistakes over and over again without learning from it...
ilimitededition™
1
Arsenal defence in reality [Crylaugh]