Albert Sambi Lokonga has been slammed on social media after the Arsenal midfielder appeared to like a social media post that made light of the fact that the Gunners had dropped points again following their 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Lokonga, 23, is currently on loan at Crystal Palace after sealing a six-month switch to the Eagles on transfer deadline day last month. However, the Belgian international has incurred the wrath of disgruntled Gunners fans after he reacted to Arsenal's second title setback in as many weeks.
Just seven days on from their shock defeat at Everton, Arsenal dropped more precious points in the title race against Brentford, who pinched a share of the spoils at the Emirates Stadium courtesy of Ivan Toney's controversial goal.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted that Lokonga had liked a post on social media which made light of Arsenal dropping points again. And unsurprisingly, Gunners fans were less than impressed with the former Anderlecht man.
Since joining Arsenal in the summer of 2021, Lokonga has failed to live up to expectations at the Emirates. However, it is hoped that a spell playing under former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira, who is now at the helm at Crystal Palace, can accelerate Lokonga's development.
The Eagles boss has already admitted that he has high hopes for Lokonga - and he believes that a spell at Palace can pay dividends for the Arsenal youngster; just as it has done for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who thrived at Selhurst Park last term.
Join the debate! What did you make of Arsenal's performance against Brentford on Saturday? Let us know here.
Speaking to club media, Vieira said: “When players go on loan, it is about finding the right club, the right manager, the support you can have to get some game time to keep growing as a player – especially for the young players. What makes it difficult for Sambi is coming now in the middle of the season.
“We had Conor [Gallagher], and it was a different situation. We showed with what we did with Conor that we can give game time to those young players, but in the meantime they need to show they deserve it. Sambi is a good talent, a really exciting player, and he will work for this football club.
“When we as a football club decide to take a player, his body language and personality is massively important for us. There is no question mark on his attitude in training or the way he is interacting in the dressing room. He is a lovely player on and off the field and is gelling really well with the rest of the team and the players.”
Lokonga has featured twice for the Eagles since his loan move, including in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.
