Arsenal rescued an unlikely point against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday, as they came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3.
The North London club started the game on the back foot and were punished by the Cherris as two first-half goals from Charlie Daniels and Callum Wilson within four minutes of each other put the hosts 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes.
After Ryan Fraser netted the third just before the hour mark, the game looked effectively ended as a contest.
However, Sanchez gave the Gunners a glimmer of hope when he scored with 20 minutes to go, what was Arsenal’s first shot on target. Substitute Lucas Perez scored the second with a superb volley five minutes later.
Giroud then headed home in stoppage time to prevent the North London club from loosing their 3rd game in five matches while also keeping alive their title hopes.
Most of the players were well below their best but Xhaka’s performance in the defence was very poor. Much will be made of his mistake for the penalty, but his overall performance was poor nonetheless.
The midfielder gave the ball away far too often, was exposed with the pace and intensity of the game in the first half. He did redeem himself later on, with some good through balls Giroud for both Lucas Perez’s goal and the Frenchman’s header late on.
He was erratic and was often reckless to a certain extent. His often accurate, laser-sharp passing missed its mark on numerous occasions, while also struggling with the pace that Bournemouth played.
The Emirates club remain in fourth place eight off points table toppers Chelsea who still have a game in hand as they take on fifth-placed Tottenham on Wednesday night. If Spurs win that they will leapfrog the Gunners or if Chelsea win they will go 11 points clear.
Here are some of the fans reactions on Xhaka’s performance:
#arsenal did well to recover however they should've never been 3 down in the first place…#Xhaka is out of his depth, not ready for PL
— Yas (@travellingmcd) January 3, 2017
35 mil for a corner that can't beat the first man!?! #Xhaka
— Jack Gillis (@jagillis11) January 3, 2017
Wenger, isn’t it?
Who put Xhaka in charge of taking corners??? Horrible #AFC
— Beks (@Bekims) January 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/_FruitPastle/status/816384708590366720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
More defensive work needed
https://twitter.com/GunneRoi/status/816384783844601857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
It was lazy indeed
Lazy defending from Xhaka for the second goal… #afc @Arsenal
— Timmy007 (@HonTimmy007) January 3, 2017
Folks, this is a real, long-term worry: #Xhaka is a sub-par defender, all over the field, in every situation. And lazy at that. #AFC
— Toby Cunningham (@sircryqtootips) January 3, 2017
He still needs to improve, but I don’t think he is overrated
https://twitter.com/KHenton/status/816398570312105984
Xhaka is so stupid sometimes… Unnecessary penalty. Player running towards the corner flag #BOUARS #afc #xhaka
— JuliusLPahl (@Pahl18) January 3, 2017
Well said!
#Xhaka is a fantastic player …he made a mistake
— MR_bitchies (@Ayokunmee) January 3, 2017
