Mikel Arteta may now need to reconsider the automatic starting role that Oleksandr Zinchenko has been occupying in his Arsenal team.
That’s off the back of another questionable display by Zinchenko against Chelsea yesterday.
The Arsenal defender started on the left side of defence once again in a familiarly inverted role.
However, Zinchenko struggled to have his usual influence in possession, and his defending was non-existent at times.
In fact, the former Manchester City man was handed a 4/10 for his display in the first half yesterday evening.
And given Zinchenko has looked suspect defensively for some time, it does beg the question of how long Mikel Arteta will be willing to keep faith.
Zinchenko is usually a brilliant player to have in possession, and does give Arsenal so much control, but it’s now coming at a massive cost.
Arteta seemingly needs to replace the £30m signing as soon as things get tough defensively in most games.
And that perhaps explains why Pep Guardiola was ultimately willing to let the Ukraine international leave his side.
Arteta should now be realising why Pep allowed Zinchenko join Arsenal
Of course, it’s important to point out just how integral Zinchenko was for Arteta and Arsenal last season.
He’s definitely still needed in this Arsenal side, but for specific moments rather than being a default starter.
Zinchenko has a unique skill-set that has benefitted Arteta in some crucial moments, but it’s not always the right fit for this Arsenal.
For example, given his showing against Chelsea, Takehiro Tomiyasu would now look like a logical starter in Seville.
Yes, he does offer much less in possession, but Arsenal do have other players who can dictate the play.
If Thomas Partey and Declan Rice are in the same side, there’s surely already enough ball-progression.
Mikel Arteta has earned the trust of Arsenal fans, and they will rightfully support his selection moving forwards.
But the Arsenal boss may now be wondering if the balance has tipped towards Zinchenko dipping out of his side.
A player who is truly elite in possession, but is proving high-maintenance when facilitating for his defensive frailties.
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