Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks silence after Roy Keane ‘pride’ remark in Liverpool draw
Oleksandr Zinchenko bemoaned not having his “best day” after contributing to Liverpool’s equalizer during the Reds’ remarkable comeback against the Premier League leaders.
Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher criticized the defender for being too easily beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose late cross was converted by Roberto Firmino.
Alexander-Arnold nutmegged Zinchenko before delivering a back-post cross. Firmino met the delivery with a powerful header that helped Liverpool come back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game at 2-2, severely denting Arsenal’s chances of winning the title.
Modern, forward-thinking fullbacks, according to Keane, have lost ‘pride’ in their defensive work. Zinchenko has now spoken publicly for the first time since being criticized by Sky Sports commentators for his role in Arsenal’s Premier League title race setback.
The Ukrainian uploaded a photograph from the match to Instagram with the caption “Not the best day at the office but we go again. Thanks for support. Together until the very end #COYG.”
Keane and Carragher were extremely critical of the 26-year-old, who was seen crying on the Arsenal bench after conceding the goal. Both analysts speculated that it could affect Arsenal’s battle with Manchester City for the league title.
“You think about the modern full-back and the obsession is how good they are going forward. I think they have lacked that real pride in defending,” Keane said. “Zinchenko had to get down low. It’s all far too easy – especially if you’re going to win titles.”
After reviewing the video of Liverpool’s second goal, Carragher was incredulous. The former Liverpool defender continued, “I can’t get Zinchenko out of my head. The league title’s on the line, you’ve got to be more aggressive. That can’t happen.
“There’s got to be more intensity from Zinchenko. It’s almost like he’s training and doesn’t want the ball to go through his legs.”
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored first-half goals to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead at Anfield. However, Mohamed Salah halved the deficit just before halftime, and Roberto Firmino scored an equalizer in the 87th minute, before Liverpool nearly won the game in extra time.
Arsenal are now only six points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand and are scheduled to host Arsenal on April 26.
Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks silence after Roy Keane ‘pride’ remark in Liverpool draw
