Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp tore into Granit Xhaka during Arsenal’s 2-0 north London derby defeat by accusing the Swiss international of trying to ‘fool’ supporters.
The midfielder was lucky to escape a yellow card just moments into the game when he clattered into Harry Kane and he was eventually carded twenty minutes from time when he upended Heung-Min Son.
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It was a needless foul to give away as the South Korea forward was boxed in and had nowhere to go but Xhaka gave the hosts a valuable opportunity to reduce the pressure on their goal and to waste some time.
The decision irked Sky Sports co-commentator Redknapp, who believes Xhaka makes such decisions in a bid to ‘fool’ supporters that he’s a full-hearted player.
I don’t get him,’ said Redknapp. ‘How many times does he do that? I think he thinks he’s fooling the fans by making a tackle. He’s not helping the team.’
Arsenal’s defeat means the Gunners have made their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign. The Gunners languish in 15th and have just 13 points from their first 11 matches, having scored just ten goals.
Son-Heung Min put the hosts ahead with a stunning long-range strike in the first half, after the forward was allowed to cut in on his right foot by the Arsenal backline.
Harry Kane doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time as he converted a cute pass from Son and his left-footed strike cannoned in off the bar. Spurs are now top of the Premier League, with Arsenal in 15th.
