Granit Xhaka defends Arsenal mentality after Patrice Evra criticism

Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka has angrily dismissed Patrice Evra’s babies taunt as “bulls**t*.

Xhaka was annoyed when Evra called Arsenal “babies” after their 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Monday because the Sky Sports pundit claims they have always been fragile.

He feels the former Manchester United and France defender should show more respect instead of shouting his mouth off for the TV cameras.

“A lot of people speak too much,” fumed Xhaka. “I hear he speaks something against us.

“I have a lot of respect for him because he was a great player. But you have to be careful what you say in those situations as well.

"It’s not only him, it’s a lot of people. They speak a lot of bulls**t about us. It’s always the same.

“For me it’s strange because they were in the same situation as us. They were players as well.

“Maybe sometimes we play good, sometimes not so good.

"But if you speak every weekend, every game, bulls**t like this then they will not get respect for what they say.”

Xhaka was also annoyed that Lys Mousset’s winner for United came from a corner and it is the 22nd goal Arsenal have conceded from a set-piece under boss Unai Emery.

“Of course it’s frustrating because it’s so easy,” said the midfielder. “It’s too easy if you lose the game because of a corner or free-kick. We have to improve things.

“We did good things as well. We were compact in defence, they didn’t have a lot of chances. But if you want to be in the top four, you have to beat Sheffield.

“I’m not interested in what people say and speak. We have to speak in our group to improve things and work hard.”

Xhaka claims the Gunners must also show more resilience away from home, insisting it should not matter where they play.

“We have to stop speaking about mentality or bulls**t like this,” he said. “For me it’s the same if you play home or away.

"You have to win. You have to show big character. You have to show good games and not to find always the same excuse.”