Granit Xhaka was in no mood to make excuses for Arsenal’s defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Chris Wilder’s side, meaning their poor away form continues.
Arsenal has won just four of their last 17 games away from home and lost four of their last seven Premier League away games against newly-promoted sides.
“We have to stop talking about [the mental side of the game] and bulls*** like this,” the Arsenal captain said afterwards when discussing their displays on the road before apologizing for his choice of words.
“I’m sorry to say that, but for me, it’s the same whether you play at home or away – you have to win and show big character and not look for the same excuse.”
Xhaka was also quizzed on the comments of former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, who called the players ‘babies’ in an appearance on Sky Sports.
Watching Arsenal miss out on an opportunity to go third in the table, Evra didn’t hold back in his criticism, saying they’re no different to the team he regularly beat in his playing days.
“A lot of people speak too much,” Xhaka said.
“I have a lot of respect for him because he was a great player, but you have to be careful what you say.
“He knows what these situations well, but it’s not only him. A lot of people speak a lot of bulls*** and it’s always the same.”
Asked if comments from former footballers can be considered cheap shots, the midfielder agreed.
“For me, it’s strange because they have been in the same situation as us – maybe it was sometimes good, sometimes not so good, but as I said, if you speak bulls*** like this every weekend, then what they say doesn’t get respected.”
