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Arsenal news: ‘It’s really messy’ - Alan Smith singles out one star against West Ham
ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka was singled out for criticism during the visit to West Ham on Saturday.
After a goalless first half at the London Stadium, Declan Rice gave West Ham the lead shortly after the restart.
A fine run down the right from Felipe Anderson caused the Arsenal defence all sorts of problems.
Xhaka was unable to head Anderson’s cross away fully, only going as far as former Gunner Samir Nasri.
Nasri laid it off to Rice who finished expertly into the top-right corner.
Oh it’s really messy, from Xhaka to start off with that header
Arsenal legend Alan Smith was commentating on the match for Sky Sports.
He praised the finish by Rice, which was his first goal for West Ham.
But he was not impressed with the defending from his former side, especially Xhaka.
“Talk about a sharp finish,” Smith said of Rice's goal.
“Talk about a fantastic way to get off the mark. This is not an easy chance at all.
“The pace of Anderson does for [Alexandre] Lacazette, not the greatest of clearing headers [by Xhaka].
“But that is a wonderful finish by the midfielder.
“Oh it’s really messy, from Xhaka to start off with that header.
“And look at that, leaving Bernd Leno with no chance whatsoever.”
Xhaka was substituted shortly after the goal, being replaced by Lucas Torreira.
The game ended 1-0, with West Ham moving up to eighth in the Premier League table.