Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has admitted Bruno Fernandes’ missed penalty in the second half of Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to the Gunners helped his side secure the three points.
The midfielder was handed the spot-kick honours ahead of Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo with the Gunners 2-1 ahead at the time. But after a stuttered run-up, Fernandes fired his effort against the post and away for a goal kick.
The missed penalty seemed to heap more anguish on an already downtrodden mood throughout the United team, and hopes of a result at the Emirates slipped from their grasp when Xhaka fired home a long-range effort on 70 minutes. The defeat all but mathematically confirms the end of their quest for a top-four finish.
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes sums up Manchester United's failings in this sorry season vs Arsenal
Speaking after the game, Xhaka said the wayward penalty helped Arsenal gain the win. He said: "We started well but it was a 50-50 game in the second half.
“United were pressing and did much better, but we got the three points. The missed penalty helped us.”
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