Andy Townsend said on talkSPORT (4:41pm, March 8, 2021) that the goal that Arsenal conceded at the weekend was the fault of Bernd Leno, not Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka made a poor mistake against Burnley that led to a goal from Chris Wood in the first half of the Premier League game between the two sides this past Saturday.
The Switzerland international midfielder received a short pass from his Arsenal teammate and goalkeeper Leno, and while trying to stick to the Gunners’ philosophy of playing out from the back, he made a bad mistake that led to a goal.
The 28-year-old has been widely criticised for his mistake, but former Chelsea and Aston Villa midfielder Townsend has pointed out that German goalkeeper Leno should not have passed it to him in the first place.
Townsend said on talkSPORT (4:41pm, March 8, 2021): “Who’s to blame? Granit Xhaka? Everyone had a go at him. The blame lies with the goalkeeper because he gave him the ball.”
The pundit added: “Yes, you have got your philosophy, but it’s like so stupid to try and play. Also, you are dropping it onto Granit Xhaka onto his weaker foot.”
Does Andy Townsend have a point?
Leno is a good goalkeeper, but in that situation, the Arsenal man should be cleared it.
While it is laudable to build up attacks from the back, the players need to be aware when to take risks and when not to.
Perhaps the goal that Arsenal conceded against Burnley will be a lesson to Mikel Arteta’s side.
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