LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Ian Wright has defended Granit Xhaka after the Arsenal midfielder was accused of starting Liverpool’s comeback at Anfield.
During the first half, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Xhaka got into a physical argument that became quite heated. As a result, Liverpool gradually began to retake the game.
The Gunners had a 2-0 lead early on thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus before Mohamed Salah drew one back in the 42nd minute of play. then, in the 87th minute, Roberto Firmino scored to tie the score and give his team a point.
The former Gunners captain was blamed by a number of commentators, including Jamie Carragher, for his actions on the pitch, which allegedly inflamed the Anfield crowd and assisted the Reds in staging a comeback. Though, the Swiss national was defended by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Wright observed in a BBC interview says “it doesn’t take much to energize that crowd Even if Granit Xhaka entered the room and smacked a person, it wouldn’t make them more energized than they already were.
“The fact is that he’s been brilliant for us this season. I think the narrative is that people are trying to point at someone. That’s how Granit Xhaka plays. He’d probably play like that if he’s playing in his own garden.”
Arsenal’s lead atop the Premier League standings has been cut to six points as a result of Sunday’s stalemate against Liverpool. Manchester City will narrow the lead at the top if they win the game they still have in hand.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side will now take on West Ham on 16 April in a crucial Premier League clash.
