ARSENAL runner-up Granit Xhaka has apologized to his team-mates after receiving another reckless red card during the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Xhaka got kicked out after only 24 minutes after a shockingly high challenge hit Diogo Jota’s waist and left referee Michael Oliver with no choice but to order his march.
Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka was sent off after just 24 minutes against Liverpool at Anfield
Granit Xhaka apologizes to Arsenal teammates after red card in Carabao Cup semi-final
The Switzerland international received his fifth red card as a Gunners player and made Mikel Arteta’s job even harder at Anfield.
Arteta is facing a major shortage in midfield following the departure of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, while Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are on international duty in the Cup of African Nations.
29 years old has come Instagram after full-time and offered a heartfelt apology saying he was “very proud” of his team’s resilience as they kept a clean sheet at The Kop.
Xhaka posted: “I want to apologize to everyone. I am very proud of my team and the spirit they showed to keep a clean sheet tonight.”
Arteta switched to playing back years after the Swiss player was sacked and still managed to get a result against all odds.
Arsenal now have high hopes of meeting Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Final as they take on Liverpool at the Emirates in the second leg on Thursday.
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The Spain head coach remains cynical about Xhaka’s red card as he claims he hasn’t had a chance to look back at it.
Arteta said: “No, I have not seen it. I went for an outside interview and am now here, so I can’t rate it. I haven’t seen action yet. ”
But Xhaka is not immune to criticism from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher after his latest blunder.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “Xhaka has two or three looks at Jota, he knows he’s there. It was a perfect pass from [Andy] Robertson and Jota just got his boobs on it.
“Xhaka does what Xhaka does. Take on a completely ridiculous challenge when Jota still has so much work to do. If the keeper keeps coming, I think he can scare Jota and head far away.
“But, is that a red card? There is no doubt. The way he got him out, the force he exerted, it was a ridiculous challenge. ”
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Arteta salutes Arsenal’s ‘brotherhood’ after surviving sixty-six minutes with ten men in Liverpool draw
https://www.thesun.ie/uncategorized/8203025/granit-xhaka-arsenal-liverpool-carabao-cup/ ‘I’m so proud of my team’
