In five days, Arsenal’s pursuit of a Champions League berth has gone from nearly there to nearly gone.
The Gunners have not qualified for Europe’s top club competition in five years but could’ve clinched a top-four place by beating rival Tottenham last week.
With two games left, it was all still in their hands. But Monday’s game against Newcastle also went pear-shaped as Arsenal meekly lost 2-0 at St. James’ Park.
Now the Gunners need a miracle to avoid the Europa League, and their midfielder Granit Xhaka unloaded on his team after another awful performance with a ton at stake.
“I don’t know why we’re not doing what the coach is asking for us,” Xhaka told Sky Sports.
“If someone isn’t ready for this game, stay at home. It doesn’t matter your age. If you’re nervous, stay on the bench or stay at home. You need people to have the balls to come here and play. It’s one of the most important games for us. We’re feeling very disappointed for the people who came over here.
“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 Champions League or even Europa League. It’s very hard to take it at the moment.
“It’s difficult to find the right words. From the first minute to the 90th we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch.”
Can Arsenal still reach the Champions League?
Arsenal sits in fifth place with 66 points, two back of Tottenham with just one game to go.
Spurs need just a point in their final game to lock up a Champions League spot and unfortunately for the Gunners, their rivals will be facing rock-bottom Norwich City on Sunday.
Arsenal must defeat Everton and hope Spurs lose at Carrow Road to qualify for its first Champions League in five years.
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