Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explained why he was not upset with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White after the pair could be seen feuding on the pitch.
The pair were engaged in a heated exchange following a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday night, after which the Spanish manager had a word with the Ukrainian.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka scored second-half goals to seal all three points, although Taiwo Awoniyi grabbed a late consolation to deny the visitors a clean sheet.
“That is pushing each other and being not happy conceding,” Arteta told TNT Sports. “I have to encourage that and promote it in the right way and a respectful way.
“Sometimes after the game it is too emotional and too heated, but I love that the players are pushing each other and demanding excellence.
“Today we conceded a goal that is not at the level we want.”
Arsenal moved to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have played one game less. The two sides face each other at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
“It’s good to get some momentum, we were good against Crystal Palace and we have generated momentum with a really strong performance,” Arteta added.
“We had to be really patient but have the intention to hurt them all the time and we did that.”
“We need different tools and we need to find the right moment when we have the chances.
“In positional play we had a lot of chances but we didn’t convert them.
“Against this team at home I have seen a lot of teams that have suffered, I am pleased with the performance and winning the game.”
