A current Arsenal player has been charged with “going to sleep” for Southampton’s third goal at the Emirates on Friday, according to club veteran Lee Dixon.
In a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two Premier League clubs, the Gunners had a difficult night against Southampton.
Carlos Alcaraz and Theo Walcott’s goals gave the Saints an early advantage, but Gabriel Martinelli drew one back for Arsenal just before halftime.
At the start of the second half, Mikel Arteta’s team had trouble dislodging Southampton, and with 25 minutes left, the visitors reestablished a two-goal lead.
Following James Ward-Prowse’s corner, Armel Bella-Kotchap won the initial header. The ball was subsequently headed home past Aaron Ramsdale by Duje Caleta-Car, who was in the correct location at the back post.
Arsenal earned a point late on thanks to goals from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. This result puts Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City, but City has two games in hand.
The Londoners need a win against Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday night to improve their title aspirations. Arsenal are “wobbling like crazy” according to Gary Neville.
“The concern is that they are conceding goals, and Manchester City is experienced and smells blood.” There are all the markings of a shaky team here.
“The concern is that they are conceding goals, and Manchester City is experienced and smells blood.” There are all the signs of a team that is shakily approaching the goal line.
“They appear tired, they make mistakes, they appear nervous, and they are not doing the things they have done in matches all season.”
Dixon slammed Oleksandr Zinchenko for his role in Southampton’s third goal, which came after the defender lost concentration and allowed Caleta-Car a free header at goal.
“Look at Zinchenko for Southampton’s third goal,” Dixon stated, as reported by Premier League Productions.
“He has his man, he is looking at his man, he has his arm in the air, and then he falls asleep.”
“He’s not a great defender,” he added. He’s terrific on the ball, and Arsenal uses him to their advantage.
“However, we saw him play a role in Liverpool’s equalizer at Anfield and again today.”
“Whether you play him in midfield or not, he has to be alive as a defender.” It is your responsibility to keep the ball out of the net.
Arsenal has now drawn three games in a row, but Dixon believes they are “capable of beating Man City” next week.
“Arsenal have a tough run coming up,” Dixon said, “but those fixtures were set last summer.” “You have to play everyone twice.”
“They had an easier run earlier in the season, and now comes the difficult part.” This is how you win a championship.
“Man City are obviously favourites now, but Arsenal still have that game at the Etihad, and we know that this team is capable of beating Man City.”
“You’d think City would have a bit too much for them, but we’ll see.”
