Following Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on Monday, midfielder Granit Xhaka said his teammates did not deserve to be on the field, effectively ending their Champions League qualification hopes.
Arsenal were two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur (68), but they were second best throughout their loss at St. James’ Park.
Xhaka was forthright about his team’s performance, leaving them hoping for a miracle on the final day to avoid a sixth consecutive season outside of Europe’s top competition.
“It’s difficult to find the right words. From the first minute to the 90th we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch,” the Swiss told Sky Sports.
“I can’t explain to you why. We didn’t do what the game plan was, not listening to the coach. What happened was a disaster performance. You don’t deserve to play the Champions League or even Europa League. It’s very hard to take it at the moment.
Arsenal face relegation-threatened Everton in their final game of the season on Sunday, while Spurs must drop points against already-relegated Norwich City.
Prior to last Thursday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal was one win away from securing a top-four spot and returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
Arsenal, however, are two points behind Tottenham and will need Antonio Conte’s side to lose at relegated Norwich City to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League after a 3-0 defeat against Spurs and a loss at St James’ Park on Monday.
