Graeme Souness criticises Arsenal pair Granit Xhaka and Bernd Leno after Everton defeat

Richarlison’s tame cross wriggles through Leno’s legs and into the back of the net (Picture: Getty Images)

A Bernd Leno own goal sealed a 1-0 victory for Everton away at Arsenal on Friday night, and Graeme Souness was disappointed with both the goalkeeper and his team-mate Granit Xhaka for their roles in the Tofees’ winner.

Stand-in left-back Xhaka was beaten easily by Richarlison before the Brazilian got to the byline and put a tame cross into the box, which Leno inexplicably diverted into his own net.

The result has left the Gunners down in ninth in the Premier League table with five games left to play, while Everton remain one place ahead in eighth.

Souness says Xhaka was beaten too easily by Richarlison (Picture: Getty Images)

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Souness criticised Xhaka for failing to deal with Richarlison, and branded Leno’s mistake as ‘farcical’.

‘Richarlison eases Xhaka off the ball too easily,’ he said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

‘He makes his mind up, “I’m going to stand my ground and tackle and win the ball”, instead of forcing him down the line.

‘Richarlison, you know who you’re playing against, he’s not silky, he’s not tricky, he’s going to try and run you, try and muscle you.

‘He’s made a mistake, he’s trying to win the ball back, he should show him down the line, he’s too square on.’

On Leno’s involvement, Souness added: ‘Yeah, it’s farcical.

‘That really is a very, very poor goal to give away, an embarrassing goal to give away.’

More: Arsenal FC

It was a game somewhat overshadowed by the events outside of the stadium before kick-off, when thousands of Gunners fans protested against owner Stan Kroenke.

Supporters vented their frustrations over the American billionaire and his running of the club in the wake of Arsenal’s recent involvement and subsequent withdrawal in controversial European Super League plans.

MORE : Arsenal fans protest outside the Emirates against Stan Kroenke ownership after failed European Super League plot

Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

For more stories like this, check our sport page.