Unai Emery defends Granit Xhaka after North London derby criticism

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has insisted that he was pleased with the performance of midfielder Granit Xhaka in Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Switzerland international conceded the penalty which saw Spurs take a 2-0 lead at the Emirates Stadium, before the Gunners answered back to ultimately secure a point in a 2-2 draw.

Xhaka's overall performance was criticised during the North London derby, but Emery has said that he was "very proud" of the 26-year-old.

"In 90 minutes, I'm very proud of his work. Some mistakes we can have, I want to use them to progress, to learn and improve. There are a lot more positive things individually and collectively, and also with Xhaka for me," the London Evening Standard quotes Emery as saying.

"The penalty incident is a disappointing action but he played very well and worked very well. If we win that match, maybe we are speaking about that mistake less, but really there were two mistakes in the first half and they scored from both of them."

The Gunners will attempt to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel to Watford after the international break.