Xhaka Bemused by ‘Scared’ Display as Arsenal Collapse in Watford
Granit Xhaka conceded Arsenal were “scared” after throwing away a two-goal lead in the 2-2 draw against Watford at Vicarage Road.
The Gunners appeared to be on their way to an impressive away victory after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first-half brace.
But Watford fought back valiantly through goals from Tom Cleverley and a late Roberto Pererya penalty
to salvage a late point. Arsenal faced 31 shots from Watford, the most they have faced in a Premier League match since Opta’s records began in 2003-04, and were perhaps fortunate to escape with a draw.
After seemingly controlling the first half, Xhaka was at a loss to explain the drop in performance. “What went wrong? That’s a good question,” he told Sky Sports.
“At half-time we went to the dressing room and everything was good. “Everyone was happy but we came out and played such a bad second half. You have to say we are happy to take a point.
“We were scared in the second half. We knew they would come at us and push us hard but we have to show more character and not be scared.
“We have spoken about it. We cannot give a performance like this in the second half.”
After seeing his side throw away their two-goal advantage, Unai Emery identified Watford’s high pressing in the second half as the reason behind their collapse.
“They pushed us, Watford last year played like today,” he told BBC Sport.
“We were up in the first half and we knew that we needed to score the third. They had the capacity to come back with the supporters and that’s what happened.
“We couldn’t break their pressing in the second half. They are physical, a very strong team. They pushed for our mistakes, they were playing for our mistakes.”
Other result: Bournemotuh 3-1 Everton Evening Standard