Unai Emery chat with Granit Xhaka sparked touchline celebration

Arsenal duo celebrated together after equaliser at Crystal Palace

Unai Emery felt it was a tough match against Crystal Palace and while he was disappointed Arsenal did not win, he admitted a draw was a good result.

Unai Emery has revealed he encouraged Granit Xhaka to take more set-pieces, which triggered the touchline embrace between the pair after Xhaka's goal for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.

The Gunners' 11-game winning run came to an end at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles scoring twice from the penalty spot in a pulsating 2-2 draw on Super Sunday.

A stunning free-kick from Xhaka drew Arsenal level at 1-1 after the break and the Switzerland international sprinted over to the touchline to celebrate with Emery.

Explaining why Xhaka ran over to him to celebrate, Emery said: "At half-time we spoke about this situation - he has good quality from free-kicks and also to try to make more crosses. I tried to push him to do that. He has the quality to do that."

Image: Emery celebrates with Granit Xhaka after the Swiss' stunning free-kick against Palace

Xhaka backed up his manager's quotes when quizzed about his celebration.

Advertisement

"I chose to shoot because the coach asked me why I didn't take the corners or the free-kicks in the first half," he told Arsenal's official website.

"I think it was the first free-kick of the second half, so I took it. I was happy that I could score, but we can't be so happy after the game."

Also See:

Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic says he is confident every time he takes a penalty and was not concerned after his miss against Everton last week.

Arsenal were searching for a record-breaking 12th straight win in all competitions that would have put them level on points with second-placed Chelsea.

However, Wilfried Zaha teased Xhaka into a debatable foul inside the box late on and Luka Milivojevic stayed cool to net his second penalty and draw Palace level after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had put Arsenal 2-1 up.

"I am disappointed with the result but our work is good," Emery said.

"It was a hard match. It's not easy when they push with their supporters. The draw is not bad - over the 90 minutes the two teams deserved this result."

Play Super 6

Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.

Outbrain