Andy Cole has told Sky Sports (07/03/21 at 10:35 am) that Granit Xhaka is playing ‘really good football’ despite his recent mistake for Arsenal.
It was another day and another moment to forget for Xhaka in an Arsenal shirt, who in the end, cost his team three points against Burnley.
No player has made more mistakes leading up to goals (eight) than Arsenal’s combative left-footer since 2016 (Opta Joe), which perhaps sums up his time in North London.
But former Manchester United striker Cole stated that ‘we all make mistakes’, as he dismissed the alarming stat that was thrown at him about Xhaka’s errors leading to goals.
On claims that Xhaka shouldn’t be vilified for making mistakes whilst attempting to do the right thing: “I don’t think so,” said Cole. “You can talk about all those stats (most mistakes leading up to goals) all you like.
“I think with Xhaka, he is an individual and he is prepared to get on the ball. And like you said, he tries. He has had his tough times at Arsenal but look at him now. He’s come through it and playing really good football for Arsenal.
“We all make mistakes. That’s what the game is all about. But we have to learn from our mistakes.”
There must be something about Burnley that doesn’t sit well with Xhaka because the 28-year-old hasn’t had a great time against them.
During the reverse fixture, when he was sent off for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat, it could be argued that he cost Arsenal three points on that day because he definitely cost them over the weekend.
But Mikel Arteta has faith in the former captain and with a big week ahead for those in North London, Xhaka is sure to be a starter in both the Europa League and against Spurs.
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