Granit Xhaka gives damning verdict on Bruno Fernandes missed penalty in Man United vs Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has admitted Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty in the second half of Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to the Gunners helped his side secure the three points.

The midfielder was handed the spot-kick honours ahead of Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo with the Gunners 2-1 ahead at the time. But after a stuttered run-up, Fernandes fired his effort against the post and away for a goal kick.

The missed penalty seemed to heap more anguish on an already downtrodden mood throughout the United team, and hopes of a result at the Emirates slipped from their grasp when Xhaka fired home a long-range effort on 70 minutes. The defeat all but mathematically confirms the end of their quest for a top-four finish.

READ MORE:Bruno Fernandes sums up Manchester United's failings in this sorry season vs Arsenal

Speaking after the game, Xhaka said the wayward penalty helped Arsenal gain the win. He said: "We started well but it was a 50-50 game in the second half.

“United were pressing and did much better, but we got the three points. The missed penalty helped us.”

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