EPL: Ex-Arsenal Defender Blames Emery for Xhaka’s Outburst

Former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown, has blamed manager Unai Emery for Granit Xhaka‘s clash with Arsenal fans in the English Premier League (EPL).

Xhaka threw his arms up in the air and cupped his ears, after his substitution was greeted by boos during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Xhaka was also seen mouthing “f*** off” at the Arsenal fans and removed his shirt before storming down the tunnel.

“Sunday was not the first time Granit Xhaka has been jeered by his own fans,” Keown told the Daily Mail.

“It happened on September 22 too, when Aston Villa visited. Villa were leading 2-1 at the time, then Xhaka was substituted and serenaded by boos.

“Arsenal, despite being down to 10 men, went on to win 3-2 without the midfielder. Then five days later, Unai Emery names Xhaka as captain anyway.

“Emery is as much to blame as anyone. If you let the players pick their skipper, then it becomes a popularity contest and that is not what leadership is about.

“I’ve never had a manager who decided the captaincy that way and, for me, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still the safer bet.”