Arsenal were deserved winners in their Premier League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday evening.
Whilst Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t at their free-flowing best in open play, Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover was still able to work his magic as both of the hosts’ goals came from corners.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, Arsenal were able to hold Manchester United at bay and restrict them to very few opportunities, despite having some key players missing. Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes were both ruled out with injuries.
This meant that Oleksandr Zinchenko returned to the XI for a rare Premier League start.
Arsenal fans praise Oleksandr Zinchenko after Man United win
Operating in his trademark inverted fashion, drifting into midfield, the Ukrainian saw plenty of the ball. Particularly in the first half, the left-back took up a very advanced position and functioned as a kind of auxiliary playmaker.
Zinchenko’s passing was inventive and he generally used the ball well, and he was largely solid at the back. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it reminded Arsenal fans on X that he still has something to offer.
One said: “The Zinchenko that played today is a new player to me. He tackled, won headers, tracked back, and was committed to defending. Competition is good!”
Another stated: “Zinchenko was class yesterday.”
One claimed: “Zinchenko really gave us the full experience. Great 60mins then a bozo moment.”
Another added: “Zinchenko was good yesterday.”
What Mikel Arteta thinks of Zinchenko
When Arteta brought Zinchenko to the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, it looked to have been a masterstroke. The defender made a huge impact in North London, and changed the way the team played tactically.
However, recurrent injuries and a loss of form saw him slip down the pecking order. Arteta has been said to have lost patience with Zinchenko in the past, as for all of his technical quality, the player has a habit of making basic errors.
Earlier this season, though, Arteta insisted that Zinchenko remains in his plans. His inclusion and performance against Manchester United, albeit allowed for by Calafiori’s injury, suggests that there is truth to this.
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