What Ukraine’s media said about Arsenal ace Oleksandr Zinchenko display vs Albania is very interesting

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Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is definitely in a precarious position in north London right now – a player who Mikel Arteta is seldom turning to.

Zinchenko suffered an untimely injury towards the start of the season at Arsenal, and that opened the door for an easy transition towards the likes of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori.

The former Manchester City player has always been brilliant with the ball at Arsenal, but his defending has often cost Arteta in crucial moments.

To that end, Arsenal are willing to sell Zinchenko in January, but perhaps his latest performance for Ukraine might change that thinking slightly.

Oleksandr Zinchenko scores brilliant goal on Ukraine return

Zinchenko was dropped by Ukraine for their first fixture over the break against Georgia – he didn’t play a minute.

However, the Arsenal defender returned to the starting line up during his side’s 2-1 victory against Albania, and he scored a brilliant opening goal. 

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Reviewing his performance, Football UA gave Zinchenko the player of the match award, celebrating a leader’s display.

They wrote: “Marked his return to the ranks of the main team of the country with a beautiful goal, at such a crucial moment.

“Zinchenko proved to be a real leader on the field and appeared in all directions of the attack, while remaining effective both in building the game in attack and in helping in defence.”

The Arsenal man played as the right sided number eight in the win, which perhaps will give Arteta food for thought moving forward.

Mykhailo Mudryk struggles to match Zinchenko’s brilliance

Of course, Zinchenko was joined by Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk in attack on Tuesday evening, who wasn’t quite as effective on his part.

Interestingly, Chelsea could loan Mudryk out in January – a real fall from grace given how interested Arsenal once were in the winger.

Perhaps some at the Emirates Stadium may still be harbour some ambition to bring Mudryk to the club, but striking a permanent deal with Chelsea would surely be very difficult.

Either way, Arsenal fans will be pleased to see Zinchenko faring so well, someone who could still be crucial when unlocking opposition the Gunners are expected to beat.