Mikel Arteta can't hide true feelings on Zinchenko after Arsenal mistake

02 December 2023 , 19:39

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended Oleksandr Zinchenko after a late mistake against Wolves (Image: Sky Sports)

Mikel Arteta refused to condemn Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Arsenal full-back's mistake set up a nervy finale in Saturday's 2-1 win over Wolves at The Emirates.

The Gunners flew out of the blocks to take a two-nil lead inside 13 minutes courtesy of well-worked goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard and were unfortunate not to extend their lead before a late defensive lapse allowed Matheus Cunha to halve the visitors' deficit in the 86th minute.

It was Zinchenko was at fault for the goal, with the former Manchester City player caught out after overplaying in a dangerous area. And while Arteta stressed Arsenal had to learn lessons from that error, he was quick to defend the versatile Ukraine international.

"You have to love him, how he is," the Spaniard replied when he was asked about Zinchenko's error post-match. "Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Alex has many more strengths.

"This happened and it can happen to any player. We have to learn from it because there are certain areas where it’s a big no to play, especially after certain things in the previous phase. That’s it. We will get better."

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Despite a nervy finale, Arsenal were in control throughout the match and have now opened a four-point lead at the Premier League summit. Manchester City will have the chance to respond on Sunday when they host the Gunners' bitter rivals, Tottenham.

Although disappointed to give up a clean sheet, Arteta commended the character of his team for the manner in which they dug in during the final minutes of the match. He was also quick to point out that the scoreline slightly flattered Wolves, who were second-best for the majority of the afternoon despite Cunha's late strike.

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Zinchenko was at fault for the Wolves goal which set up a nervy finale at The Emirates (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC)

He added: "I can only praise the players. They were excellent. We played against a really good side and generated so much and conceded almost nothing.

"The scoreline should have been very different. We were very unlucky because we hit the post three times I think. At the end we made an error close to the goal - in the Premier League you get punished big time for that. Then at the end, it’s game on. Overall I’m really happy with how he performed again."

Dan Marsh