Arsenal began the new Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Wolves, and there were positives in a mixed display.
The Gunners have made just one new signing this summer, with defender Riccardo Calafiori joining from Bologna, but he will have to wait to make his competitive debut as he was an unused substitute against Wolves.
With Calafiori joining and Jurrien Timber also returning from injury, many questioned whether Oleksandr Zinchenko would have much of a role to play this season.
The left-back is aiming to recover from a disappointing campaign, and Zinchenko also been linked with a move away as he has just two years remaining on his contract.
However, the Ukrainian was selected to start against Wolves, after impressing in recent pre-season matches, and the 27-year-old showed that he still has a future at Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko impressed in Arsenal win against Wolves
Zinchenko was criticised for his defensive abilities last season, and the opportunity cost of having him in the team was seen as too high.
However, his ability on the ball and going forward, when inverting into midfield when in possession, is invaluable in some games, and Zinchenko showed his true value against Wolves.
Zinchenko was tidy in possession, helped drive the ball forward and especially in the first half, most attacks went through him.
He was also defensively stronger than before, and had some excellent moments when dribbling out of defence, which resonated well with the Arsenal fans.
Sections of the Emirates Stadium in the East Stand, where I was sat, sang his name as he cleared the ball off a Wolves attacker to win a throw-in after stopping an attack during the first half, and fans pointed out that he looked more physically robust than before.
“Zinchenko has done very well on the left-hand side. I was worried about him, being somebody they can attack, but in the main, Arsenal have been very, very dominant,” Arsenal legend Ian Wright told Premier League Productions during the first half.
How Oleksandr Zinchenko should be used at Arsenal
Zinchenko is clearly not suited for certain opposition, and Timber and Calafiori will likely take his place against tougher wingers such as Mohamed Salah, who Zinchenko has struggled against in the past.
However, in home games where Arsenal are dominant in possession, Zinchenko can be very useful in driving the ball forward, and there is more benefit to having him in the team.
Zinchenko was substituted for Timber around the hour mark against Wolves, and this appeared to be the perfect balance. The Ukrainian is great at what he does, but is not a 90-minute player, and Arteta reacted to the game state to then bring him off.
Despite the increased competition at left-back, Zinchenko will still be a useful player in the squad, even if he is not starting regularly, and in situations where Arsenal need to push forward more, he will be a valuable option.
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