Jermaine Beckford has accused Mohamed Elneny of cowering during Arsenal’s defeat by Manchester City on Saturday.
The Egypt international came on at half-time, when Mikel Arteta’s side – who had Granit Xhaka dismissed – were 3-0 down.
But within minutes of his arrival, Arsenal were four behind when Rodri fired Manchester City into an even healthier lead.
And Beckford believes that he saw Elneny turn away from the ball to avoid being hit, just before it nestled in the net.
He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “You take it in the face, that’s what you’re there for. You’re supposed to stand up strong and firm, that’s your job – to stop the clean shot on goal. Mohamed Elneny turned his back on the ball, which you should never do.”
Fortunate
Elneny is lucky to still be at Arsenal, if we’re honest.
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s arrival this summer could and should’ve made the former Basel midfielder surplus to requirements.
But Arteta, for whatever reason, seems to be a big fan of the player and he looks like staying in North London beyond the end of the transfer window.
He was linked with a move away earlier in the summer but, with three days left in the window, an exit at this stage would be a bit of a shock.
Elneny should try and leave Arsenal though because let’s face it, he’s never going to be anything other than a squad player under Arteta.
And with Lokonga at the club now, and Xhaka staying, this could be his worst-ever season in terms of appearances.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
