Arsenal fans watched on in horror earlier tonight as Hector Bellerin‘s naive defending gifted Diego Costa and Ateltico Madrid the opening goal in their Europa League semi-final second-leg.
After drawing 1-1 in London a week ago, the momentum was with the Spaniards going into tonight’s rematch, but Arsene Wenger’s men started brightly and asserted themselves well in the opening stages.
In a tense encounter, neither side saw much in the way of clear goal-scoring opportunities – until just one minute before the half-time whistle.
As Atletico broke up the pitch, Bellerin somehow failed to track the run of former Chelsea striker Costa, who received the ball and simply couldn’t miss from that sort of range:
The worst time to concede a goal!
Diego Costa puts Atlético ahead on the stroke of half time! pic.twitter.com/tDMoiJG00C
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 3, 2018
As you can probably imagine, the reaction Bellerin on social media wasn’t pretty at all:
Bellerin's passing/delivery has been worse than his greasy pony tail. And that thing looks rank.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) May 3, 2018
I’m sorry, Hector Bellerin is fucking useless. PLEASE whoever comes in, GET RID OF THE PRICK.
Oh, and take Chambers and Mustafi with him.
— AFC Marco (@marco_gooner) May 3, 2018
Bellerin has been shocking! Shame as Arsenal the better side tonight. Mark B #bbcfootball
— Mark Brooker (@brooker_mark) May 3, 2018
Why oh the fuck why is it same shit different day with us? Bellerin dog shit defending as per usual ffs he’s shite flog him
— Christian (@Corndog1975) May 3, 2018
Seriously how bad has bellerin become in the last 12/18 months we had any other right back in our club and he would be dropped, and ospina……. how the fuck does he play for us the guy is wank can’t command his area and can’t impose himself in front a striker
— Rhys Mead (@rhysmead12345) May 3, 2018
Bellerin has been stupid this half. Poor passes, poor crosses and now this.
— Nnamdi (@TheReclusifix) May 3, 2018
Bellerin shouldn't be wearing that jersey. Dude needs to taste another club
— Chineze |Mrs Walcott (@Amchizzy) May 3, 2018
Schoolboy defending by Bellerin
— Oliver "Sippe" Sipos (@OliverSipos) May 3, 2018
Ever since Bellerin has tried to impersonate Kate Moss, he’s been crap
— Guy (@Guy_AFC6) May 3, 2018
FFS HECTOR BELLERIN YOU’RE SO DEAD
— Aqib Malik (@ThatGuyQib) May 3, 2018
I have always said bellerin should be the first player to leave this summer…. He's overrated thanks to Barcelona's bid for him.
— Victor (@osemudiamen_) May 3, 2018
Why was Bellerin further upfield than two Atletico players while that build up was developing?
Why did he not start running back until the pass to Costa was played?
Why did Ospina lie on the floor before Costa shot?Wenger. The answer is always Wenger.
— Footballistically (@footballistix) May 3, 2018
Arsene Wenger best be slapping the shit out of Bellerin for that disgraceful defending with 1 minute until half time. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/vHSm8pgiBs
— Flash (@MaxGordon94) May 3, 2018
Given Arsenal will be looking for a new manager this summer, do you think whoever that transpires to be should be thinking long and hard about bringing in a new right-back?
RSS