Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be separated following the full-time whistle in their 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, after the pair were involved in a heated bust-up.
Mikel Arteta started the duo in defense on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, as Arsenal fought hard to secure a slim victory over the Tricky Trees at the City Ground.
However, even though the Gunners exited the game with a win, White and Zinchenko appeared to have been infuriated with something.
It is believed that Ben White was mad at Oleksandr Zinchenko due to how Nottingham Forest got their goal through Taiwo Awoniyi.
Awoniyi turned Gabriel before burying an opportunity that came his way after Zinchenko was beaten in the air on the edge of the 18-yard box.
The North London side secured all 3 points as aforementioned but White and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be physically separated from nearly getting into a brawl as tempers flared.
Mikel Arteta even had to wade in on the matter to calm the tension, as he confronted Zinchenko over his conduct, giving him a stern and public talking to.
Following the game, Arteta told TNT Sports the reason why the pair got involved in an altercation, he said: “That’s pushing each other and being not happy conceding.
“I have to encourage that and promote it in the right way and a respectful way."
The Spanish tactician added that he was delighted to see his players strive to be better and aim for excellence.
He said: “Sometimes after the game, it’s emotional and heated but I love that the players are pushing each other and demanding excellence.
“Today we conceded a goal that was not at the level that we want.”
Arsenal sit 2nd on the log, with 46 points from 22 matches, 2 points behind Liverpool, who have one game in hand.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka's goals in the 65th and 72nd minutes helped the Gunners secure the win over Nuno Espirito Santo's side, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring the only goal for the Tricky Trees.
The 2022/23 Premier League runner-up are aiming to win the league crown this term, having been close to winning the division last campaign.
They made necessary reinforcements in the 2023 summer transfer window, bringing in several notable names, including; Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
Rice has been the best addition to the team, as he has been impressive in most matches this campaign.
Havertz has also shown glimpses of brilliance, but he is yet to delineate his qualities on a consistent level.
Anyway, several fans were delighted with the passion shown by Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts on the incident.
A fan wrote: “Stupid last five. White had a proper go at Zinchenko at FT, had to be kept apart. Love the passion, how it should be.”
Another fan wrote: “Ben White and Zinchenko fighting over conceding a goal, that's the standard Mikel Arteta has set and I love it.”
The Gunners return to action on Sunday, February 4, 2024, facing Liverpool in a Matchday 23 Premier League encounter and definitely it is a clash that all eyes will be on.
Mikel Arteta started the duo in defense on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, as Arsenal fought hard to secure a slim victory over the Tricky Trees at the City Ground.
However, even though the Gunners exited the game with a win, White and Zinchenko appeared to have been infuriated with something.
It is believed that Ben White was mad at Oleksandr Zinchenko due to how Nottingham Forest got their goal through Taiwo Awoniyi.
Awoniyi turned Gabriel before burying an opportunity that came his way after Zinchenko was beaten in the air on the edge of the 18-yard box.
The North London side secured all 3 points as aforementioned but White and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be physically separated from nearly getting into a brawl as tempers flared.
Mikel Arteta even had to wade in on the matter to calm the tension, as he confronted Zinchenko over his conduct, giving him a stern and public talking to.
Following the game, Arteta told TNT Sports the reason why the pair got involved in an altercation, he said: “That’s pushing each other and being not happy conceding.
“I have to encourage that and promote it in the right way and a respectful way."
The Spanish tactician added that he was delighted to see his players strive to be better and aim for excellence.
He said: “Sometimes after the game, it’s emotional and heated but I love that the players are pushing each other and demanding excellence.
“Today we conceded a goal that was not at the level that we want.”
Arsenal sit 2nd on the log, with 46 points from 22 matches, 2 points behind Liverpool, who have one game in hand.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka's goals in the 65th and 72nd minutes helped the Gunners secure the win over Nuno Espirito Santo's side, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring the only goal for the Tricky Trees.
The 2022/23 Premier League runner-up are aiming to win the league crown this term, having been close to winning the division last campaign.
They made necessary reinforcements in the 2023 summer transfer window, bringing in several notable names, including; Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
Rice has been the best addition to the team, as he has been impressive in most matches this campaign.
Havertz has also shown glimpses of brilliance, but he is yet to delineate his qualities on a consistent level.
Anyway, several fans were delighted with the passion shown by Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts on the incident.
A fan wrote: “Stupid last five. White had a proper go at Zinchenko at FT, had to be kept apart. Love the passion, how it should be.”
Another fan wrote: “Ben White and Zinchenko fighting over conceding a goal, that's the standard Mikel Arteta has set and I love it.”
The Gunners return to action on Sunday, February 4, 2024, facing Liverpool in a Matchday 23 Premier League encounter and definitely it is a clash that all eyes will be on.