Ian Wright has said on Match of the Day on BBC One (11:02pm, January 1, 2022) that Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka did commit a foul on Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva.
The Arsenal legend and MOTD pundit made the comments while analysing Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.
Midfielder Xhaka, who cost Arsenal £30 million in transfer fees in 2016 (Sky Sports), conceded a penalty in the second half when he brought down City attacker Silva.
Verdict on Granit Xhaka foul on Bernardo Silva
Wright said on MOTD: “It hurts me to say this, but I don’t there’s much doubt with this one because he actually. It’s a great bit of skill. Once he cuts back in there, it’s there. He has caught him.”
Impressive display
In our opinion, Xhaka played well for Arsenal against Manchester City despite his role in the defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
Maybe the 29-year-old should have been more clever on that occasion.
After all, it did look like Silva was already going down.
However, in our view, it was a penalty and the referee was right to award it to City.
In the game overall, we thought that Xhaka was very good.
The Switzerland international imposed himself in the middle of the park and formed a strong partnership with Thomas Partey in midfield.
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