Reason why Oleksandr Zinchenko burst into tears on Arsenal bench in Liverpool encounter
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko was captured on camera during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday appearing distraught and at one point even in tears.
It was a thrilling match between the two teams, with Mikel Arteta’s men racing out to a 2-0 lead in the first 30 minutes before Liverpool gradually gained control of the match. Mohamed Salah began the comeback with a goal just before halftime, followed by Roberto Firmino’s late equalizer that broke Arsenal’s hearts.
If the Gunners had maintained their composure, they would have been in a fantastic position in the title race. Instead, their lead at the top was reduced to six points, and they had played one more game than nearest rivals Manchester City.
The goal that salvaged a draw from the jaws of victory was scored by Roberto Firmino after Trent Alexander-Arnold nutmegged Zinchenko, who really should have done better, before lofting an inviting cross into the box for Firmino to head home.
According to talkSPORT, Zinchenko’s tears stemmed from the fact that he felt responsible for Arsenal’s loss at such a crucial point in the final stretch.
Jamie Carragher harshly criticized Zinchenko at the final whistle for his inability to contain Alexander-Arnold in the buildup to Firmino’s goal.
“I can’t get Zinchenko out of my head,” Carragher claimed. “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.”
His fellow Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane echoed a similar sentiment, as he added: “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. Zinchenko had to get down low. It’s all far too easy – especially if you’re going to win titles.”
Many consider Scotland’s Kieran Tierney a superior defender to Zinchenko, but he simply lacks the Ukrainian’s offensive prowess. Tierney replaced Zinchenko immediately after the goal.
It remains to be seen whether Arteta will give Zinchenko another opportunity for Sunday’s away league match against West Ham, or whether he will opt to start Tierney at left-back.
Reason why Oleksandr Zinchenko burst into tears on Arsenal bench in Liverpool encounter
