Granit Xhaka reacts during Bayer Leverkusen's defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka makes Liverpool feelings clear after Champions League loss

by · football.london

Former Arsenal star and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka admitted that his team were given a lesson by 'the best' after his side were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool in the Champions League.

It was a sobering night for the German champions who had started the evening well, limiting Arne Slot's men to half chances while also creating a couple of opportunities of their own. After the break, it was a completely different story.

Attacking The Kop, Liverpool found a second wind as Luis Diaz's hat-trick and Cody Gakpo's header from the hour mark onward ended the match as a contest. After the match, Xhaka was in no mood to sugarcoat the result admitting the German side were outplayed.

"You learn from the best," Xhaka insisted in an interview with Amazon Prime before later adding: "Playing here is a big challenge - especially when you shake up the crowd a bit."

Tuesday night was the first time Xhaka had faced Liverpool while not wearing an Arsenal shirt and it is fair to say he does not hold particularly fond memories of facing the Merseyside team. In 16 personal appearances against the Reds, Xhaka has only been on the winning side on four occasions, drawing four times and losing eight matches.

Arsenal may do well to heed Xhaka's warning when they travel to Anfield in the Premier League on May 10. The clash is just three games before the end of season and could prove to be critical in the title race.

READ MORE: Xhaka shows true Arsenal colours with classy touch

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After a mixed start to the campaign, the Gunners find themselves seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League. But, considering we are only ten matches into the new season, there remains plenty of time for Mikel Arteta's side to climb the table.


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