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Football London
Football London
Sport
Bobby Vincent & David Byrom

What Granit Xhaka told Arsenal teammates after taking the lead against Liverpool

Granit Xhaka could tell that Arsenal's opening goal against Liverpool came against the run of play.

That is according to beIN Sports Matt Critchley, who revealed what Xhaka said to his teammates after Alexandre Lacazette had taken advantage of Andy Robertson's mistake to turn the ball into the net.

With games being played behind closed doors, fans and reporters are being given more of an insight into what happens on the pitch, with player interactions being amplified by the empty stands around them.

It allowed reporters to see what Xhaka did after Lacazette's goal.

Whilst the Gunners were celebrating, Xhaka ran over to his teammates and said "We are scared" twice.

It was in response to the way that Arsenal were playing, with Liverpool dominating possession and the early exchanges.

The goal came against the run of play and it came as little surprise when Liverpool scored twice in the next nine minutes to make it 2-1.

Arsenal had just one shot at goal in the opening 45 minutes, which came from a Liverpool error - and perhaps shows exactly what Xhaka was trying to warn his teammates about.

Whilst the midfielder is no longer Gunners captain, the exchange shows the leadership role he still holds among his teammates.

Liverpool controlled possession as the visitors sat off of them, with Arsenal getting just five touches in the final third.

Speaking on Sky Sports at half-time, Jamie Carragher was full of praise for how Jurgen Klopp's men were playing and explained how the Gunners got a big stroke of luck for the goal.

He said: “The press has been fantastic from Liverpool, but the one time Arsenal beat it, they get through.

"It’s a calculated risk from Liverpool, you see how many bodies they’ve got in Arsenal’s half.

"They actually get a little bit fortunate, Arsenal, they play it down the line, there’s a ricochet. It’s a calculated risk, but the pass from Xhaka is fantastic and then they’re in at Liverpool - and you can do that if you beat the press - but it doesn’t happen so often.

"Then Liverpool don’t cover themselves in glory, especially Andy Robertson, who completely miscues it.

"Lacazette does the same, probably a little bit of fortune, but puts them 1-0 up.”

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