Marc Cucurella's bizarre 'hug' defending tactic for Arsenal's goal has got fans talking

Fans have spotted Marc Cucurella 'hugging' Granit Xhaka and not letting go during the build-up to Arsenal's winner against Chelsea.

The Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League on Sunday afternoon after Gabriel turned home a Bukayo Saka corner from close range.

Saka's set piece went straight through Chelsea's defence, despite having three men on the near post. Cucurella, on the other hand, was given a different job.

His task was to stick to Arsenal midfielder Xhaka like glue. The Switzerland international has scored three Premier League goals this season, the most he's managed in four years.

Cucurella took his instructions too seriously, however. Footage of the goal has emerged, with Cucurella holding onto Xhaka for the whole passage of play.

All the 24-year-old can do is watch the ball fly past him and onto the end of Gabriel's boot. A strange way of defending.

The clip has gone viral online, with many trying to work out what Cucurella was doing.

One person said: "What on earth was going on with Cucurella for the goal?"

Another commented: "Why is this so funny? My guy froze."

A third tweeted: "We've been scammed paying £60 million for this guy."

While someone put: "Peak comedy that sums up Chelsea's season so far."

Can we talk about Cucurella for the goal 😂pic.twitter.com/pGzjTxFPER

— Met. (@AFCMet) November 6, 2022

Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer but has struggled. He's set for an extended period in the team following Ben Chilwell's recent hamstring injury.

Chilwell confirmed the news on social media while revealing he will not be part of England's World Cup squad.

The Blues have now lost two Premier League games on the bounce, manager Graham Potter's first two defeats since taking over in September.

Potter admitted at full-time that Arsenal, who are unbeaten in the league since September 4, are currently in a better position than his side.

"We played against a team in a really good moment, a confident team, so credit to them," Potter told BT Sport.

"The boys gave everything. We got into a few situations in the box but we missed that last little bit.

"Overall, Arsenal deserved to win. The goal is disappointing and over the course of the game, we don't have too many complaints at the result."

Chelsea return to action against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.