After a disappointing result and performance against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta will be looking for a strong reaction from his Arsenal players this week.
Arsenal host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates Stadium before also welcoming Liverpool to north London on the weekend.
In truth, Arsenal have struggled to keep clean sheets at home of late, when Arteta perhaps puts greater emphasis on attacking.
Prior to their defeat against Bournemouth, Arsenal’s defensive record on the road in 2024 has been sublime, although all of their efforts are now being undermined by red cards.
But both Arteta and the Arsenal fans will hope that refereeing decisions are now longer a key topic moving forward – something no one wants to focus on.
Oleksandr Zinchenko set for big ‘impact’ after injury return
That being said, Arteta made some interesting comments about forgotten full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of facing his old side Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Speaking at his press conference, Arteta claimed that Zinchenko still has a ‘big role’ to play this season after returning to the bench last weekend.
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After struggling with a calf injury, the Ukrainian has only made two appearances this term and played 79 minutes.
And after signing Riccardo Calafiori and recovering Jurrien Timber, many may feel as if Zinchenko’s days are numbered.
But Arteta suggested otherwise when discussing Zinchenko’s role upon return.
“Hopefully a big one [role to play for Zinchenko this season].
“Obviously we need him fit and availability is a big factor to maintain consistency and obviously last year we had quite a lot of issues with that and at the start of the season again.
“Hopefully he is now fit, we are going to start to use him, going to start to impact the team in the manner he can and that’s what we’re hoping.”
Arsenal fans are crying out for Ethan Nwaneri against Shakhtar Donetsk
Of course, it’s realistic to think that Arteta will hand Zinchenko a start against his old side on Tuesday evening, a game Arsenal will expect to dominate with the ball.
Timber is still an injury doubt and Calafiori may benefit from a rest ahead of facing Mohamed Salah on Sunday.
Although, Arsenal fans are predominantly asking to see Ethan Nwaneri start his second game for the club against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Nwaneri was brilliant against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup, but Arteta has been cautious with his involvement ever since.
Arteta was criticised for his line up against Bournemouth, and perhaps fans will see a more attacking combination on Tuesday.
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