"Absolutely shocking tonight", "No difference between him and Zinchenko" - Fans call out Arsenal star despite win over Brentford

Fans have reacted to Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori's performance in the 3-1 Premier League win at Brentford on Wednesday (January 1). Following the win, the Gunners are the closest challengers to runaway leaders Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta's side trail the Reds by six points after 19 games, having played a game more. Coming to the aforementioned game, the Gunners fell behind to Bryan Mbuemo's 13th-minute opener.

However, Gabriel Jesus restored parity for the visitors 16 minutes later as the two teams headed to the break on level terms. Mikel Merino put the Gunners in front five mintues into the second period before Gabriel Martinelli struck three minutes later to put his side in the driver's seat.

Despite the Gunners' third straight league win, fans were far from impressed with the Calafiori's performance, with one tweeting:

"Partey and Nwaneri standouts tonight. Saliba and Gabriel good again. Odegaard, Merino and Calafiori absolutely shocking tonight again."

Another chimed in:

"Calafiori has been woeful btw. Absolutely shocking if any of the big 6 had a player put in a performance that bad for 60 mins, then they'd be losing, but Arsenal always get let off."

There were similar reactions from other fans, with one posting:

"Calafiori is a bum, another €50m wasted on a fake full-back who needs replacing a year later."

One had mixed emotions, though:

"Calafiori is a funny guy. One minute, his defending in a 1v1 is terrible, the next minute he plays a brilliant pass in between the line. I don't even know if I should love or hate him. He's such a strange footballer."

Another simply commented:

"There is no difference between Calafiori and Zinchenko tbf. Timber would block that ball."

One wrote:

""Calafiori" should never be compared to Bastoni ever again, the difference in quality is massive."

Calafiori, 22, has a goal and an assist in 15 outings across competitions for the Gunners this season since arriving from Bologna in the summer. Both goal contributions have come in the Premier League.

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"It's a big win" - Arsenal boss after Brentford win

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta acknowledged the importance of the midweek win at Brenford, as it kept his side alive in the title race at the midway point of the league season.

The Gunners fell behind early but recovered impressively to return home with all three points, Sharing his thoughts following the win, the Spanish tactician said (as per the BBC):

"It's a big win. They (Brentford) are a really good side, very well coached and they've been exceptional at home.

"Especially when you go a goal down early in the game, it becomes a mountain to climb, but the team remained patient. We had to manage the situation emotionally."

The Gunners next take on Brighton & Hove Albion away in the Premier League on Saturday (January 4).