Harry Diamond
Unai Emery has defended Granit Xhaka despite the Arsenal captain appearing to duck out of the way of Scott McTominay’s strike in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second half equaliser rescued a point for Arsenal at Old Trafford, after midfielder McTominay had fired home a fierce opener for the hosts.
Under-fire Xhaka has come under fierce criticism for his displays in recent weeks and footage of McTominay’s strike seemed to show the Switzerland international ducking away from the ball.
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Emery, though, has come to the defence of the 27-year-old, who was this week named as the club’s new permanent captain.
“He ran back, he was maybe the first, in this action,” Emery said.
“I didn’t see that action [him ducking] but I watched him running back. He did perfect with that run.
“He worked with a big commitment, he was in the pitch with a good balance, defensively and offensively. I think he worked well.”
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