Spotted: Granit Xhaka throws toys out the pram after what happened in Everton vs Sunderland
Granit Xhaka failed to control his emotions on the sidelines after an extremely frustrating incident between Everton and Sunderland in the FA Cup.
Regis Le Bris’ side looked likely to knock Everton out of the competition on Saturday, 10 January, thanks to a single goal from Enzo Le Fee, who atoned for his errors against Brentford.
However, with just moments left of normal time, James Garner tucked away a spot-kick past a helpless Robin Roefs, forcing the game to extra time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
At the other end, Jordan Pickford had an almost-faultless performance, keeping his side in the game until their equaliser, but he could do very little once the teams went to a penalty shootout.
Sunderland forced to penalty shootout by Everton
While it was a good moment for the home side, the Black Cats were absolutely furious with the awarding of a penalty, and they certainly had every right to be after replays were shown.
Adam Aznou has rarely featured for Everton, but it was the former Bayern Munich man who went down under limited pressure from Trai Hume, with John Brooks pointing straight to the spot.
Xhaka was absolutely incensed by the decision, going into the referee’s notebook for dissent, but the club captain needed to show much more restraint when addressing the official.
With just minutes passing before the full-time whistle was blown, the Switzerland international made his feelings known to his manager, with the player needing a few moments to calm down.
Granit Xhaka absolutely fuming at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Chucking a coat on the floor while raging at his teammates, Xhaka clearly lost his head before extra time. Given his track record in the Premier League, some might have been expecting a red card at some point.
However, he reached the end of the game without any trouble, but Le Bris might still have some concerns over his captain after a mini episode on the touchline, while the manager details his tactics.
The 33-year-old has matured massively since his last time in the Premier League, but even so, there is no doubt that there remains a rough edge to him when something goes against him.
He certainly held back more than he would have done during his Arsenal days, but it was still a moment of madness as the midfielder continued to kick off after the full-time whistle.