Arsenal’s title hopes were ended in heart-breaking fashion on the final day of the Premier League season but the Gunners did not earn any sympathy from German side Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen responded to Arsenal‘s title hopes ending on the final day with a well-timed Granit Xhaka social media post.
The Gunners had a chance to lift the trophy on the final day – but only if they beat Everton and Manchester City were held by West Ham. Arsenal kept up their side of the bargain with a late 2-1 win.
However, they were condemned to the runners-up spot as City beat West Ham 3-1 to claim a fourth successive title. Recently crowned Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen appeared to poke a little bit of fun at Arsenal’s heartbreak in the aftermath.
Taking to Twitter moments after the end of the Premier League season they posted an image of former Gunner Xhaka celebrating with the trophy. It was captioned “what a feeling,” with a heart eyes emoji.
The new shirt has returned the Gunners to their roots placing a stripped-down, elegant-looking canon right over the heart of the new shirt. Shirt manufacturers Adidas have produced a “clean and minimal” and the design “embraces modernity, while honouring Arsenal’s rich heritage.
The Swiss midfielder has been a key member of Xabi Alonso’s side as they secured an unprecedented unbeaten season. The 31-year-old has made 48 appearances across his debut season, scoring on three occasions.
Arsenal had sent Xhaka a message of congratulations after claiming the title. In response, the Gunners wrote on social media: “We’re so proud of you, Granit”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also had some kind words for his former player and the entire Leverkusen team. Speaking ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, he said: “Big congrats to Xabi [Alonso] and Granit as he was our player as well.
“So happy for them and very impressed with what they have done. I congratulated Xabi obviously because we are good friends and because we are happy for them, but this is a different story.”
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Leverkusen could potentially be celebrating even more come the end of the season. After rounding off an unbeaten league campaign, they will also play in the German Cup and Europa Conference League finals.
Xhaka has already expressed his desire to lift more silverware this season. He said: “It’s difficult to find the right words [to sum up his emotions]. To come back after my first season in the league is unbelievable.
“We had a great season, a great game, not first half but second half we did well, and now we enjoy. When you kick a ball at a young age, you dream of moments like this. It was hard work day by day, with everyone who was included in this club.
“In my 14 years football career, it’s special for me, but even more special for this club. Now we want more, and to take the others one as well.”
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