Granit Xhaka calls out Arsenal's defending after draw with Sporting Lisbon - 'That cannot happen'

A disappointed Granit Xhaka has criticised Arsenal’s defending in the 2-2 draw at Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, stressing “that cannot happen”. A much-changed Arsenal took the lead in Portugal through William Saliba but they were quickly pegged back with Goncalo Inacio heading home from a corner following hesitancy from goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Ad And the visitors fell behind 10 minutes after the restart courtesy of Paulinho’s strike before an own goal by Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita ensured Arsenal left with a draw. Premier LeagueArteta bursting with pride after ‘mad’ Arsenal comeback04/03/2023 AT 18:02 «We knew before the game it is tough to play here,” Xhaka told BT Sport.

“It is always tough to play against a Portuguese team, they are well disciplined, tough and have good players technically, but we have to take the 2-2 and finish the game in London. »We started okay in the game, but the two goals we conceded was too easy at this level, that cannot happen.

«In the second half we had a lot of control, we could have won the game but also could have lost the game so that is why we take the draw.» Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated as Al Nassr slip to defeat to title rivals Al Ittihad Paul Scholes calls on Erik ten Hag to appoint 'less emotional captain' than Bruno Fernandes Gunnes boss Mikel Arteta – who made six changes but handed starts to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli – insists he will take “some positives” from the performance, although he also called the defence into question. «Considering you concede two goals away from home and still escape with a draw you have to take some positives,” he said.