Arsenal Captain Granit Xhaka Courts Controversy with Brutally Criticism of Team After Newcastle Loss

• Xhaka hit out at his Arsenal teammates after the Gunners’ shock 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League
• Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes are all but over after the defeat
• A raging Xhaka tore into his teammates, saying ‘we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch

Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka did not hold back on his criticism of his team following a lowly defeat to Newcastle United on Monday, May 16.

The Gunners’ dreams of qualifying for the Champions League are now in tatters after the Magpies secured a 2-0 win over the North London side at St James’ Park.

A Ben White own goal coupled with a strike from the talented Bruno Guimares condemned Arsenal to defeat, with Xhaka admitting that his team was second best for most of the game.

After the match, Xhaka appeared before the cameras and he boldly called out his team for not being good enough.

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“With a performance like that, you don’t deserve to play Champions League or Europa League.” He said as quoted by The Mirror.

“From the first minute to the 90th we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch.”

“I don’t know why we aren’t doing what the coach is asking. If someone isn’t ready then stay at home.

“If you’re nervous and not ready, stay on the bench and don’t come here. It was not acceptable.

“Everything was in our hands - it’s a totally different game now.”

What next for Arsenal

Defeat to Newcastle leaves the Gunners two points behind bitter rival Tottenham, whose Champions League fate lies in their own hands.

It will now take a spectacular dip by Spurs to lose their spot in fourth, as they enjoy a 15-goal superior goal difference to their North London counterparts in the league.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported of Arteta’s assessment of his side after the Newcastle game.

Interestingly, the Spaniard also seemed to agree with Xhaka, saying his side did not deserve to be in the Champions League after that performance against Newcastle.

"It's extremely disappointing that Newcastle were 10 times better than us and the performance was nowhere near the level we need to be at if we want to play in the Champions League," Arteta said.