Southampton defender Jan Bednarek was left fuming on Friday evening as medics forced him to leave the pitch. With the Saints leading Arsenal 2-1 in the first-half, the Polish international received treatment for a nasty fall that ultimately spelled the end of his evening at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a dream start for Ruben Selles’ side as Carlos Alcaraz capitalised on an Aaron Ramsdale error to net within 30 seconds. Things only got better for the underdogs, too, as former Gunner Theo Walcott raced through and slotted home to double their advantage.
Arsenal did eventually mount a fightback as Gabriel Martinelli turned in a low cross to halve the deficit, but Southampton weathered the storm and went into half-time one goal to the good. Bednarek was withdrawn before that, however, after going down in a heap.
The 27-year-old was sent flying in an aerial challenge with Martinelli and landed gruesomely on his neck. He lay motionless for around 20 seconds as paramedics ran onto the pitch, eventually receiving treatment before being told to come off.
He was less than pleased with the decision, however, as he angrily pleaded with the medic to let him continue. Concussion substitutions have been introduced in recent seasons to discourage players and managers taking unnecessary risks.
Bednarek ultimately failed to convince staff that he could play on, despite his best efforts, and proceeded to give the Southampton bench an earful after looping back round to the dugout, before heading down the tunnel.
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