Darren Bent has branded Jakub Kiwior a ‘disgrace’ for what he did in Arsenal’s 3-0 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
Unless there is a remarkable late twist, the Gunners’ defeat is a fatal blow to their hopes of lifting their first Premier League title in 19 years, with Manchester City now firmly in the driving seat.
Poland international centre-back Kiwior went down in the build-up to the first goal after having his foot stood on, taking himself out of the game rather than dealing with the attack, with Julio Enciso eventually putting the Seagulls ahead.
Kiwior arrived at the Emirates in the January transfer window in a £20m deal from Spezia and the 23-year-old was making just his sixth appearance for Arsenal.
But talkSPORT pundit Bent, an Arsenal fan despite the fact he played for north London rivals Tottenham in his career, did not hold back in his criticism.
Quizzed about Kiwior’s defending during the loss to Brighton, Bent said: ‘The first goal was a disgrace.
‘The defending from Kiwior is a disgrace. Stand up. Wait until you clear the ball and then check the boot. Disgrace.’
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher has debunked the ‘myth’ that Arsenal losing fellow centre-back William Saliba to injury in March has cost them this season’s title.
‘After the World Cup, still with William Saliba in the team… [they played] 13 games and conceded 14,’ Carragher told Sky Sports.
‘Five times in 13 games, even with William Saliba, they conceded 2+ goals… This idea that they weren’t conceding goals or looking vulnerable with William Saliba at centre-back is a myth!’
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