Granit Xhaka apologises for crucial mistake in Arsenal’s Premier League draw with Burnley

Midfielder’s misplaced pass handed the hosts an equaliser as the points were shared at Turf Moor

Alex Pattle
Sunday 07 March 2021 11:49 GMT
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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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Granit Xhaka has apologised to Arsenal fans for his error that led to Burnley’s equaliser in the sides’ 1-1 Premier League draw on Saturday.

Visitors Arsenal took the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after six minutes of play, but Burnley levelled shortly before half-time when Xhaka’s misplaced pass inside his own box hit Chris Wood and beat Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Arsenal were unable to find a winner as the points were shared at Turf Moor, keeping Mikel Arteta’s team 10th in the top flight on 38 points. Sean Dyche’s Burnley, meanwhile, moved to 30 points as they stayed 15th in the standings, seven points off the relegation zone.

“I hold my hands up for their goal and I’m sorry for the mistake,” Xhaka wrote on Instagram after the game.

“That’s football and right now I feel just as frustrated as all of you,” the midfielder added.

Arsenal next take on Olympiacos in the first leg of the clubs’ Europa League last-16 first leg.

Following that fixture, the Gunners host rivals Tottenham in the north London derby in the Premier League.

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