Mikel Arteta responds to Oleksandr Zinchenko jeers during Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa
'We want the fans to stay with all our players.'
Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Oleksandr Zinchenko after he was the subject of some jeers during Arsenal’s damaging Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.
Arsenal’s title hopes were dealt a major blow on Sunday as Unai Emery’s Villa clinched an impressive 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
The frustration inside the Emirates was clear to see as thousands of fans left the stadium before the final whistle after Aston Villa’s quickfire double.
Zinchenko’s substitution after Villa doubled their lead was also met by some jeers and Arteta admits he wants the fans to ‘stay with our players’.
Arsenal legend David Seaman singled out Zinchenko for criticism after the defeat and claimed the former Manchester City star ‘put everybody on edge’ during the game.
Asked about Zinchenko and the jeers he received, Arteta said: ‘I love Alex, he has given us so much. He gives us a lot.
‘He is a player with different qualities and an unbelievable courage to play football in any circumstance. We want the fans to stay with our players because for sure they are going to perform better.’
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