Despite criticism, Arsenal star who created four chances was ‘crucial’ in Forest win

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Arsenal secured a vital 2-1 win away at Nottingham Forest to make it two wins from two since the winter break.

The visitors were dominant in possession, but frustrated in front of goal until Gabriel Jesus forced a mistake from former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Bukayo Saka then doubled the lead with a strong finish after an excellent assist from Jesus, and Arsenal were cruising until Taiwo Awoniyi pulled one back after a defensive lapse in concentration from the Gunners.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been criticised for his role in the goal, which saw him marginally play Gonzalo Montiel onside, who assisted Awoniyi, who beat William Saliba in the air. However, the criticism is perhaps harsh, and his performance before the goal was paramount to Arsenal’s win.

Zinchenko’s superb performance vs Nottingham Forest

Zinchenko was back to his best on the ball, helping Arsenal sustain pressure high up the pitch and also contributing going forward.

He completed the most passes out of anyone on the pitch, with 100 from 107 attempts, created four chances, and completed all three of his attempted long balls.

In addition to this, he assisted Jesus’ opening goal with a clever throw-in to find him in space in the box, with the striker finishing beyond Turner.

He completed 17 passes into the final third, and his technical security on the ball contributed massively towards the win, with his assist described as a “crucial contribution” by Football.London.

Has Zinchenko been unfairly criticised?

Zinchenko’s defensive vulnerability are a valid concern, but when he is at his best he makes up for it with his ability on the ball in possession.

The blame for Awoniyi’s goal should lay at Saliba’s feet more than Zinchenko’s. Whilst he did play Montiel onside, the ball should have been easily cleared by one of the centre-backs.

The 26-year-old may not receive much praise for his strong displays, and tonight’s performance may now go under the radar, but it is clear that Arsenal are a much stronger team in possession with him in the side than without.

Arsenal’s worst performance of the season came against Fulham last month, and this was a game Zinchenko missed through injury.

His contributions may only be noticeable to some when he is absent, and Mikel Arteta should rotate him against some opposition, but at the City Ground, he stepped up with vital contributions all over the pitch in what was a much-needed victory.