Gary Neville slams Arsenal “liability” as fans fume he’ll cause “another title crumble”

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been subject to critcism from Gary Neville and Arsenal fans after struggling during their 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday

Arteta gives verdict on Arsenal’s draw at Liverpool in Premier League

Gary Neville has slammed Oleksandr Zinchenko and claimed Mikel Arteta should have ‘hooked’ the Arsenal left-back after gifting Liverpool a golden opportunity.

The Ukrainian international was criticised for his role in Mohamed Salah’s equaliser at Anfield, as he allowed the Liverpool winger to beat him far too easily, before smashing the ball into the back of the net. That came after Arsenal had taken the lead through Gabriel’s header.

Moments into the second half, Zinchenko gave the ball away in a dangerous position to Salah – for the second time in as many minutes – as Liverpool tried to pounce. Fortunately for Zinchenko, Salah was unable to find Cody Gakpo and the pass was intercepted, but the mistake was not forgotten by Neville.

Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports, Neville said: “They have options on the bench. Just hook Zinchenko, given the ball away twice, what is he doing? He’s a liability.”

Arsenal fans on social media also criticised Zinchenko and highlighted him as a weakness in the side. One said: “Zinchenko is just a total liability. Arsenal won’t win the title with him playing in big games.” Another added: “Sell that Zinchenko the f****** clown!!!”

Oleksandr Zinchenko struggled during Arsenal’s game against Liverpool(Getty Images)

A third said: “Zinchenko’s about to catalyse another Title Crumble….” A fourth claimed: “Zinchenko has to take his place in the squad as a midfielder. This deceit that he is a defender has to end. He is anything but one.”

A fifth tweeted: “Very good half from us apart from our left hand side. Zinchenko awful for the goal which many predicted, but Martinelli has also been poor. He needs to get his head up! So many good positions that we haven’t taken advantage of.” A sixth said: Zinchenko vs Salah?! YALL THOUGHT IT WAS A MATCH UPPP?!? MISMAAAATCH!”

As for the game itself, it ended 1-1 which means Arsenal will be top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the second successive season. Last year, the Gunners fell short to Manchester City and this time around they sit one point above Liverpool and Aston Villa, with City fourth.

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