“You learn from the best” - Ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka lavishes praise on Gunners’ Premier League rivals

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka heaped praise on Liverpool, who defeated his current side Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 5. He labeled the Reds as the best in business, admitting they needed to learn from their loss at Anfield.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video after the match, Xhaka conceded that his side were loose in defense and didn't win their duels, which resulted in a heavy loss. He sent out a strong 5-word message after the defeat, saying (via football.london):

"You learn from the best."

The former Arsenal star went on to add (via OneFootball):

"It hurts to lose, whether it is here or elsewhere. We conceded goals too easily. At this level it's very easy to concede if you don't win the 50/50 duels in your own penalty area," added the Leverkusen midfielder.

Arne Slot side's thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League, with Luis Diaz scoring a second-half hattrick. Cody Gakpo was also on the scoresheet, which helped the Premier League leaders seal the win.

Xabi Alonso also heaped praise on Arsenal's title rivals Liverpool

Leverkusen manager and former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso also spoke about the Reds after the game at Anfield. He praised the Reds as a complete team and also credited Arne Slot for handling the team well since taking over in the summer. He said (via The Guardian):

"I think they are a complete team. They are able to defend, to score, they have power in both boxes, they can keep clean sheets and they are able to score with not many chances. That is a great strength in the Champions League, especially in the next round. They have this power but it is still too early to tell. The team has a good balance. The coach is doing great work so far. It's looking a promising season but we are still in November."

Talking about managing at Anfield, Alonso added:

"I have bitter feelings with the game which mean I can't enjoy the reception too much, but I really appreciated it and was thankful that even after so many years that I come here and I have this bond with the club. It was nice but it would have been nicer with a better result."

Liverpool, meanwhile, are currently leading the Premier League table, with Manchester City following them in second. Arsenal, on the other hand, are fifth in the table, seven points behind Liverpool and slowly sliding out of the title race.