Arsenal’s Arteta on heated Zinchenko-White row: ‘I love it’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted he “loved” the row between teammates Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White following Tuesday's 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.

The pair had to be separated by manager Nicolas Jover and Arteta after the final whistle as the Gunners narrowly avoided letting a two-goal lead slip away at the City Ground.

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Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka gave the visitors a second-half lead which was halved by substitute Taiwo Awoniyi's 89th-minute goal.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was forced to make a save in stoppage time to deny Awoniyi, but the Gunners held on for a victory that takes them into second place in the Premier League.

Asked about the row between Zinchenko and White, Arteta said: “I love it. They are demanding more from each other. They are not happy with the way they conceded and they are just trying to resolve it.

“It got a little heated. But that means it's enough. Playing the way we did, the result has to be more important and the clean sheet has to be there.”

Arteta revealed Jesus faced Forest despite a kick that left fluid on his knee.

“Gabi started winning the match two days ago,” said the Spaniard. “He had a knee problem and everyone was trying to protect him and telling him 'don't go out'.

“But he said [matchday] -2, [matchday] -1, I want to be there, I want to help the team win the game. When you have this mentality, good things will happen. I'm really happy with him.”

Asked if Jesus could be a doubt for Sunday's visit to Liverpool, Arteta added: “I don't know. He was hit heavily in the last game. His knee reacted and that's the knee that 'He had. [surgery on] Before.

“He was super positive, he feels good and he was very precise in training. I'm not surprised with the way he played tonight.”