OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO tried to rally his Arsenal team-mates after they slumped to a shock 2-0 deficit to Southampton – but Gary Neville found it ‘extremely strange’.
Incredibly Saints were 2-0 up by the 14th minute thanks to goals from Carlos Alcaraz and former Gunner Theo Walcott.
ReutersTheo Walcott helped Southampton race into a shock 2-0 lead at the Emirates[/caption]
Oleksandr Zinchenko immediately issued a rallying cry to his Arsenal team-matesSKY SPORTS
PAThe Ukrainian called an immediate inquest into the second goal[/caption]
Immediately after they went two down, defender Zinchenko called his floundering team-mates to the centre circle and issued a rallying cry.
Footie fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Oleksandr Zinchenko called a team meeting.”
Another said: “Zinchenko is such a terrific leader and team player. See how he called them together after that 2nd goal.”
And another said: “That Zinchenko team talk.”
One remarked: “But Zinchenko no leader – sha.”
Another chimed in: “Zinchenko = leader.”
But while fans saw the positives – Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville had a different take.
Reacting to the scenes unfolding, he said: “Well shock, absolute shock around this stadium.
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“Here it is, I think he’s calling a huddle.
“I have to say I think he would have been better off getting around his centre-back than calling a huddle.
“This is extremely strange, extremely strange.
“Martin Odegaard is having a word with him saying ‘what’s going on’ but it’s all a bit off.
“If you wanted signs of nerves, signs of tension, signs of a wobble you’re seeing it right before your very eyes.”
Zinchenko’s mid-match team talk had the desired effect as the Gunners reduced the deficit six minutes later.
Gabriel Martinelli fired home from inside the 18-yard box after getting on the end of a cross from Bukayo Saka.
The visit of Southampton is a must-win game for title-chasing Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s troops currently top the Premier League table by four points.
But defending champions Manchester City will have two games in hand on them after the final whistle.
And a defeat to relegation battlers Saints could be the nail in the coffin of their title challenge – which is on the rocks following back-to-back draws with Liverpool and West Ham.
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