Mikel Arteta breaks silence on the fight between Ben White and Zinchenko after Nottingham Forest game

Mikel Arteta had a 'wonderful' response to Oleksandr Zinchenko's and Ben White's argument after the game.

Mikel Arteta breaks silence on the fight between Ben White and Zinchenko after Nottingham Forest game

Mikel Arteta had to reprimand Oleksandr Zinchenko after the game (Via X/@AFCHub)

Arsenal held on to a late 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta‘s men were firmly sitting on a two-goal lead when a late goal from Taiwo Awoniyi set up a tense finale. Despite picking up the all-important three points, Arsenal defenders Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko got into a heated argument afterward.

Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet owing to an 89th-minute strike from Taiwo Awoniyi. Zinchenko was beaten to the ball before Awoniyi turned his marker and placed it past David Raya. There was an understanding that the argument was aimed at the goal conceded in the final minutes of the game. However, fans received further clarification from boss Mikel Arteta when he opened up about the incident after full-time.

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Speaking to the press, the tactician said:

That's pushing each other and not happy to concede. I have to encourage that and make sure it happens in the right and respectful way.

Arteta also admitted that the goal they conceded was not at their ‘level’. He added that being emotional and heated after a game is normal; the manager had to physically step in and reprimand Zinchenko for his conduct. Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League 3 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal firmly remains in the title race with a crucial win against Nottingham

Despite Liverpool’s ascent to top spot in the Premier League and Manchester City’s star players returning from injury, Arsenal remain firm in their pursuit of the league title. A crucial win against Nottingham Forest ensured that they maintained a three-point lead over Manchester City and stood within touching distance of Liverpool.

Arsenal players
Arsenal players congratulating Bukayo Saka for his goal (Via X/Arsenal)

Despite a cagey start to the game, Arsenal forwards Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus showed their class in the second forty-five minutes of the game. Jesus scored from an unbelievably tight angle past Matt Turner to give the visitors the lead. Seven minutes later, star man Bukayo Saka came through with the all-important second goal.

He got on the end of a quick counter-attack move, and with a powerful right-footed strike, blasted his shot past Turner. Even though Arsenal were subject to a late scare in the 89th minute, the side managed to hang on to their one-goal lead. The Gunners will take on Liverpool on the 4th of February before facing West Ham United and Burnley in the following weeks.

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