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Jan Bednarek rages at staff as Southampton star forced off after gruesome Arsenal incident
Jan Bednarek took a nasty fall during the first half of Southampton's visit to Arsenal on Friday night.
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Southampton defender Jan Bednarek was left fuming on Friday evening as medics forced him to leave the pitch. With the Saints leading Arsenal 2-1 in the first-half, the Polish international received treatment for a nasty fall that ultimately spelled the end of his evening at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a dream start for Ruben Selles' side as Carlos Alcaraz capitalised on an Aaron Ramsdale error to net within 30 seconds. Things only got better for the underdogs, too, as former Gunner Theo Walcott raced through and slotted home to double their advantage.
Arsenal did eventually mount a fightback as Gabriel Martinelli turned in a low cross to halve the deficit, but Southampton weathered the storm and went into half-time one goal to the good. Bednarek was withdrawn before that, however, after going down in a heap.
The 27-year-old was sent flying in an aerial challenge with Martinelli and landed gruesomely on his neck. He lay motionless for around 20 seconds as paramedics ran onto the pitch, eventually receiving treatment before being told to come off.
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He was less than pleased with the decision, however, as he angrily pleaded with the medic to let him continue. Concussion substitutions have been introduced in recent seasons to discourage players and managers taking unnecessary risks.
Bednarek ultimately failed to convince staff that he could play on, despite his best efforts, and proceeded to give the Southampton bench an earful after looping back round to the dugout, before heading down the tunnel.
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Bednarek started the current campaign on loan at Aston Villa but was soon recalled by the Saints after being restricted of game time in the West Midlands. The centre-back has since started 13 Premier League games this term and is expected to play a crucial role in Southampton's fight to escape relegation.
Selles' side went into Friday's showdown with Arsenal rock bottom of the table, having failed to win since a narrow victory over Leicester City in early March.