Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko has bemoaned not having the ‘best day’ after he was partially at fault for Liverpool’s equaliser in the Reds’ remarkable comeback against the Premier League leaders. The defender was slammed by Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher after being too easily beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose cross was converted by Roberto Firmino late on.
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Alexander-Arnold nutmegged Zinchenko before standing up a cross to the back post. Firmino met the delivery with a powerful header that helped Liverpool come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, hammering a huge dent into Arsenal’s title hopes.
Keane said modern, forward-thinking full-backs had lost ‘pride’ in their defensive work. Zinchenko has now said his first public words after being torn apart by Sky Sports’ pundits for his part in Arsenal’s Premier League title race setback.
The Ukrainian posted a picture from the game to Instagram alongside the caption: "Not the best day at the office but we go again. Thanks for support. Together until the very end #COYG."
Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko was partially at fault for Liverpool's equaliser (Image: Getty)
Keane and Carragher were scathing in their criticism of the 26-year-old, who was seen in tears on Arsenal’s bench after conceding the goal. Both pundits suggested it could have implications for Arsenal’s battle with Manchester City to win the league.
"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."
Carragher was incredulous after reviewing the footage of Liverpool’s second goal. The former Reds defender added: "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.
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"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.”
Arsenal had led 2-0 at Anfield thanks to first-half goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. However, Mohamed Salah halved the deficit just before half-time and Firmino scored an 87th-minute equaliser, before Liverpool came close to winning the game in added time.
Dropping points means Arsenal are now just six points ahead of Man City, who have a game in hand and still have to host the Gunners on April 26.