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Alan Smith has slammed Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi during commentary of their Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool after the defender scored an own goal inside the first six minutes.
Unai Emery made 11 changes from the team that faced Crystal Palace at the weekend. And he would have been hoping that they could banish some of the painful memories from the 2-2 draw, as well as those that have come from their recent trips to Anfield over the years.
Unfortunately, the Gunners got off to a terrible start. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was played in down the left-hand side after Sead Kolasinac got caught out of position.
The former Arsenal man then looked to find Rhian Brewster with a cross into the box. Mustafi prevented that from happening, but only by sliding in and beating Emi Martinez himself at the near post.
And Smith was extremely critical of the Germany international, insisting that he did not need to go to ground to make the interception.
“That is classic Mustafi in fairness. Going to ground when he doesn’t really have to. He can stay on his feet and clear his lines here. Goes with his wrong foot, it’s an absolute car crash for the defender, it really is. What a gift,” .
With Mustafi barely featuring for Arsenal this term, Wednesday’s game looked to be a real opportunity. He has come in for a lot of criticism, but Emery is struggling to find a defence that does not leak goals.
Unfortunately, the own goal against Liverpool saw Mustafi live up to the criticism often levelled at him. He made a rash decision to go to ground. And as has often been the case, that decision cost Arsenal on that occasion.