Emery calls on Arsenal supporters to back Xhaka

Unai Emery has called on Arsenal fans to support Granit Xhaka after the midfielder was booed during Sunday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

Supporters met Xhaka's second-half substitution with ironic cheers, but Emery has leapt to the defence of the Swiss international.

Speaking after the game, the Spaniard said: "We are professional, the coach, the players. He knows he can receive criticism.

"We need to be mature and experienced to continue working. The next match is another challenge for the team.

"For me he is a very important player, I am going to support him. His commitment and behaviour is great.

"We need our supporters. We need them helping each player. Our responsibility is to transmit our quality.

"He played very well on Thursday, last week in Watford. Today I changed him because he played for 90 minutes.

"Xhaka is a very important player for us. He has a big commitment and he is improving. I am not asking people to support him but I am sure he is going to achieve the best things if the supporters help him."