Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be dragged away from the pitch by Mikel Arteta on Saturday, as he tried to engage with Everton players.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on August 13, 2022. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on August 13, 2022. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Sam Dean of The Telegraph reported after Arsenal’s game against Everton on Saturday that Oleksandr Zinchenko needed to be dragged away from the pitch by manager Mikel Arteta after the final whistle.

In a frustrating match that ended with clashes between Arsenal and Everton players in injury time, Zinchenko reportedly had a few things he wanted to say to the opposition after that last whistle was blown.

Arteta has made a habit of dragging his players away from potential danger in recent months, notably when he directed Aaron Ramsdale and Granit Xhaka towards the Arsenal fans after the win away to Tottenham Hotspur.

As frustrating as Saturday’s defeat was, you don’t want to add to your own difficulties with a suspension.

Part of the reason Arsenal fans have become so fond of Zinchenko so quickly is the leadership qualities and passion he’s shown for the team.

A consistent winner, the left-back is hoping to add his fifth Premier League title to his collection this season, and he’s been a big part of the inspiration behind the current title charge.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal following defeat after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on February 04, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Oleksandr Zinchenko of Arsenal following defeat after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on February 04, 2023. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

But Zinchenko perhaps needs to be a little careful, after receiving a warning from the FA earlier this season.

Just a few games into the season, Zinchenko had picked up an injury and was watching from the stands as Arsenal faced Fulham.

The left-back supported the Gunners enthusiastically, shouting for decisions, remonstrating with the fourth official, and sprinting over to the players to celebrate the eventual winning goal.

However, the FA weren’t happy with the player, pointing out in a warning letter that since he wasn’t involved in the squad, he shouldn’t have been on the pitch.

Thankfully, Arteta seems to have successfully navigated Zinchenko away from further scrutiny on this occasion.