Thierry Henry reacts to Granit Xhaka’s display in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss at Brighton

Thierry Henry praised Granit Xhaka for his role in Arsenal’s goal in the first half of the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

It has been a difficult few weeks for Arsene Wenger’s side and the north Londoners found themselves 2-0 down after goals from Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray early on.

However, Arsenal managed to pull a goal back through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the stroke of half-time after the January signing was found by Xhaka’s low pass.

Xhaka has had his fair share of criticism from Arsenal fans this season but Henry praised the Switzerland international for his role in the Gunners’ goal in the first half.

Speaking during Sky Sports‘ coverage of the game, Arsenal legend Henry said of Xhaka’s involvement in the Gunners’ goal: “When you see something, pass the ball to what you see – and he did it.

“He [now needs to do it] more often.

“That was very good from him. But I would like to see that more often than not from Xhaka – great play, great vision.”

Arsenal now switch their attentions back towards Europa League affairs and their clash with AC Milan in Italy in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Wednesday night.

It now looks very likely that the north London side will finish outside the top four this season for the second campaign running, after they ended up in fifth place in the table last term and had to settle for Europa League football this term.