Zinchenko calls on Arsenal teammates for a pep talk after a double deficit, but is criticized for the third goal against: “He suddenly falls asleep”

Arsenal barely managed to avoid a home defeat against Southampton on Friday evening: 3-3. In any case, very expensive loss of points, knowing that a clash with first pursuer Man City is scheduled for next Wednesday. Although there was not only a look ahead after the draw, certain, remarkable phases were also examined.

After less than fifteen minutes of play at the Emirates Stadium, Southampton led 0-2 after a goal and assist from Carlos Alcaraz. The tennis followers among us will think that it concerns the number two on the ATP ranking, but this is indeed the Argentinian midfielder of The Saints. In the first minute he already finished a blatant blunder from goalkeeper Ramsdale.

Almost immediately after that double blow, Oleksandr Zinchenko called the team together on the field. A pep talk that paid off, because Martinelli quickly managed the connection goal.

There was no equalizer, but a fresh double behind did after substitute Caleta-Car dived into the back of the same Zinchenko.

A counter goal that is strongly blamed on the Ukrainian. Including Lee Dixon, who has been active as a right back at Arsenal for 14 years.

“He knows who to cover, he watches him at first, puts his arm in the air and then suddenly he falls asleep,” Dixon told the Daily Mail. “He is not a brilliant defender. He is very good on the ball, but when he doesn’t have it, we saw him in a negative role against Liverpool. Just like now,” continues Dixon. “He really has to live like a defender, whether you have to go to midfield or not. Your job is to prevent a goal.”

Arteta retains confidence in team: “How can I not love these players?”

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the third consecutive loss of points in the Premier League, but the Spaniard continues to believe in his group of players. “How can I not love these players? It’s again incredible what they accomplish at their age, when everything is on the line and you’ve made a few mistakes. They make me and the staff proud. It’s a pleasure to watch them, the spirit in the dressing room is incredible,” said Arteta after the draw.

“We have to look in the mirror now, because if you give away three goals like we did, it will be very difficult to win a game in this competition,” said Arteta, who knows that a crucial game against Manchester City will follow on Wednesday . “We now have to recharge our batteries and prepare ourselves mentally as well as possible. In football you always have difficult moments but I see that no one is trying to hide. We have to come down to Manchester with the best possible plan to win there.”