Why Oleksandr Zinchenko cried after being subbed off vs Liverpool
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Oleksandr Zinchenko did not hide his emotions after being subbed off during Arsenal's epic encounter with Liverpool on Sunday, and it's been revealed why.
The two sides played out an instant classic at Anfield, as it looked like the visitors would finally shake off their problems on the red side of Stanley Park.
Having not won there since 2012, when manager Mikel Arteta was playing in midfield for them, the Gunners took a very promising 2-0 lead.
They were helped by some horrific defending from Virgil van Dijk, with Roy Keane also calling their entire backline a 'pub team,' although it wasn't much better in the rest of the pitch for Jurgen Klopp's team.
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However, things turned around at the end of the first half, when Mohamed Salah scored from the hosts' first shot on target, to half the deficit.
The second half was a completely different spectacle, with the Anfield crowd pushing on Klopp's side, who dominated the 45 minutes and should have equalised through a penalty, but Salah missed, for the second time in-a-row.
Then, in the 87th minute, last season's Premier League runners up earned their point, with Trent Alexander-Arnold making up for his defensive mistakes by nutmegging Zinchenko and crossing for Roberto Firmino to head home.
Arsenal's left back was then immediately subbed off, with Kieran Tierney coming on to replace the Ukrainian, who could be seen crying in the away dugout.
According to talkSPORT, the former Manchester City star broke down because he felt like he'd cost the team the match, and handed his old side the advantage in the title race.
Oleksandr Zinchenko looking dejected on the Arsenal bench after Trent Alexander-Arnold nutmegs him to set up Liverpool's late equaliser 😔 pic.twitter.com/tDoamOuo1v
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) April 9, 2023
One had to feel for the 26-year-old, who has been one of the most important players behind the resurgence in Arteta's team, since moving last summer.
Piers Morgan even recently called for the full back to be named Premier League Player of the Season, though knowing Cristiano Ronaldo's number one fan he's now changed his mind based off one mistake.
In reality, despite being absolutely ripped apart by Alexander-Arnold, the former FC Ufa player can probably rest easy on thinking his mistake cost his team.
Liverpool were much the better side in the second half and, along with Salah's penalty, had several chances to score goals, even after the equaliser.
Aaron Ramsdale made two stunning saves late on in the game, including Ibrahima Konate missing from mere inches from the goal, whilst the Gunners may have scored a winner, only for Gabriel's header to go straight at Alisson.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Premier League, Football
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