Arteta's reason for calming Zinchenko down as angry confrontation spotted

30 January 2024 , 23:46

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Oleksandr Zinchenko appeared frustrated over something come full-time against Nottingham Forest (Image: Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)

Arsenal ace Oleksandr Zinchenko's full-time fury has since been explained after the Gunners' 2-1 victory away at Nottingham Forest.

Fans were left stunned and confused in equal measure at full-time after television cameras showed a seething Zinchenko having to be calmed down by manager Mikel Arteta. Initially, it looked as if the Ukraine international was in the middle of a bust-up with his boss, but the full footage has shown that was not the case.

In actual fact, the former Manchester City ace was having an argument with team-mate Ben White. Over what remains unclear, but the two were seen pointing fingers in each others face and having to be separated by set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.

The incident did not evade the detection of both fans and pundits alike and as a result, Arteta was pressed for comment on the matter during his post-match interview with TNT Sports. He opted to take a positive approach, claiming: "That is pushing each other and being not happy conceding. I have to encourage it in the right way. I love that the players are pushing each other!"

During his press conference, Arteta added: “Sometimes after the game it’s emotional and heated but I love that the players are pushing each other and demanding excellence.

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“It got a bit heated. But that means that it’s enough. Playing the way we played the result has to be bigger and the clean sheet has to be there.”

Fans on social media weren't quite as chirpy over the issue, with one writing: "Between White having a go at him and Arteta lecturing him at fulltime, it’s nice to know we’re not the only ones getting annoyed with how Zinchenko’s mistakes can threaten to undo the team’s hard work. Still one of our best players on the ball, though."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should White and Zinchenko have waited until the dressing room before clashing? Comment below

Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be calmed down by Mikel Arteta after clashing with Ben White

Another echoed a similar sentiment, writing: "Arteta just demanding more. Like this. Zinchenko needs to learn. He's been doing this for two seasons."

One supporter wrote: "I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who caught Arteta scolding Zinchenko after the game. Brilliant. Accountability is what’s needed.

"Can’t continue to make these errors of complacency and get away with it. Zinchenko kept everyone onside, he needs to do better."

Arteta's comments on the situation are likely to be the end of the matter. The Gunners boss will now demand full focus from his entire dressing room as Arsenal prepare for Sunday's title showdown against Liverpool at the Emirates.

Josh O'Brien