truth must be told: Mikel Arteta can’t hide true feelings on Oleksander Zinchenko after Arsenal mistake

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

In his post-match press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta discussed Oleksandr Zinchenko’s mistake in the last moments of Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Wolves.

Following Oleksandr Zinchenko’s error, which set up a nerve-wracking finish to Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Wolves at The Emirates on Saturday, Mikel Arteta declined to criticize the full-back.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard’s well-worked goals gave the Gunners the lead within 13 minutes, and they were unlucky not to extend it before a late defensive error allowed Matheus Cunha to cut the visitors’ deficit in half in the 86th minute.

The goal was Zinchenko’s fault; the former Manchester City player overplayed in a risky area and was therefore caught off guard. While emphasizing that Arsenal needed to grow from that mistake, Arteta was also quick to defend the adaptable international from Ukraine.

In response to a question concerning Zinchenko’s post-match error, the Spaniard said, “You have to love him, how he is,” “Every player has advantages and disadvantages. There are a ton of additional strengths for Alex.

“This occurred, and any player could experience it. We must take lessons from it because there are some situations in which playing is strictly forbidden, particularly in the wake of certain events from the previous phase. That is all. We’ll improve.”

Arsenal dominated the game and now lead the Premier League by four points, even though the game had a tense ending. When Manchester City hosts Tottenham, the fierce rivals of the Gunners, on Sunday, they will have the opportunity to respond.

Arteta praised his team’s character for the way they battled in the last few minutes of the game, despite being disappointed to lose a clean sheet. He was also quick to point out that Wolves, who had been second best for much of the afternoon, were slightly flattered by the scoreline, even with Cunha’s late goal.

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

“I can only praise the players,” he continued. They were very good. We produced a great deal and gave up very little against a very strong opponent.

The score was far from what it ought to have been. We hit the post maybe three times, so we were really unlucky. We made a mistake near the goal at the end, and in the Premier League, you get punished severely for that. Then it’s full tilt at the finish. All in all, I’m quite pleased with his performance.”