Share

Arsenal not giving up the chase - Xhaka

Arsenal know they need a big slice of luck to finish in the Premier League top four but midfielder Granit Xhaka says the London club have not given up the chase.

Arsenal, who beat Manchester United 2-0 on Sunday, will need fourth-placed Manchester City (69 points, 35 games) or third-placed Liverpool (70 points, 36 games) to slip up in their remaining games if they are to secure a Champions League spot for next season.

They are currently sixth with 63 points from 34 games and can close the gap with a win at Southampton on Wednesday.

Xhaka, who scored the opening goal in Arsenal's win over United, said no one had given up hope.

"We always have hope - hope dies last," Xhaka told British media. "It's up to us, we need some luck along the way, but if we win the next four games, I'm convinced that we can do it.

"This is a phase where we have to win every game, which we know... If we do that, I'm convinced that we can achieve what we want." Xhaka has collected eight yellow cards and one red in his last 15 appearances for the club but the Swiss international said he had no intention of holding back.

"In football you get criticised if you are sent off. It's my style of play and nobody can make me change that," he added.

"But you become cleverer, maybe look more and since my last red card, I think things have improved."

The Gunners will be aiming to close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City with a win over Southampton on Wednesday evening at the Stadium of Light.

Kick off is at 20:45.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE