completing a $36 million deal from Man City, Oleksandr Zinchenko helped Arsenal transform by bringing a winning mentality and improving expertise.
“This season, besides his outstanding performance and dreams at the Emirates, there are two images of Zinchenko that linger longer,” British newspaper Sportmail commented on January 26.
The first image came in August, when the Ukrainian defender ran along the touchline to share joy with his teammates after Gabriel scored in the 86th minute, sealing a 2-1 victory over Fulham. For the first time this season, Arsenal encountered difficulties and faced adversity, and for the first time in many times, the “Gunners” trampled on it to win.
There was only one problem: Zinchenko was injured that day. He was not wearing a racing uniform and was wearing a knee brace. Therefore, the passionate victory celebration on the sideline by Arsenal’s rookie is said to have made the English Football Association (FA) unhappy.
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Zinchenko’s emotions during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham earlier this season.
The second image came on January 22, after Eddie Nketiah scored in the last minute to seal a 3-2 victory over Man Utd, Zinchenko turned towards the stands. The 26-year-old defender braced himself, punched the air, roared loudly and hugged the fans.
These two images, according to Sportmail , encapsulate the temperament and spirit that Zinchenko added to Mikel Arteta’s squad after arriving from Man City.
When Arsenal takes a pre-season tour in Orlando, USA in the summer of 2022, even before Zinchenko completes his $36 million transfer and undergoes a medical examination, players like Aaron Ramsdale can feel the change. . After recruiting Gabriel Jesus, the “Gunners” signed another player with a winning habit under Pep Guardiola.
That seemed to tell Ramsdale and his teammates that Arsenal’s goal does not stop at returning to the Champions League. That message was reinforced by Zinchenko and Jesus, according to the duo’s class and statements.
“When I first joined the club, I realized on the field that we have everything to achieve big things,” Zinchenko said after the win over Man Utd . “I started saying in the dressing room, ‘Forget about the top 3 goal, we need to think about the title’. Some of them were laughing, but now no one is laughing anymore.”
Zinchenko was excited after Arsenal scored against Man Utd in the extra minute of round 21 of the Premier League on January 22. Photo: Arsenal FC
Arteta signed Zinchenko and Jesus from Man City to gain more “competitive advantage”, and he once again emphasized the mentality of the Ukrainian defender in a press conference on January 25. “Zinchenko really wants to create something special with Arsenal, and his experience is very useful to do that,” the Spanish coach said.
But Zinchenko’s influence lies not only in his thinking and leadership role, the defender also brings clear professional contributions . Recruiting Zinchenko from Man City helps Arteta build a style similar to his competitors for the championship. “Zinchenko brings everything we need in that position, versatility and the ability to fill other gaps. That for us is very important,” Arteta said.
Arsenal seems to become a different team without Zinchenko on the field. Through just 15 appearances, he has become one of Arteta’s most important players – a left-back and central midfielder who shines even when the home team is under siege.
Rarely has Zinchenko’s influence been shown as clearly as over the past 10 days. In the London derby, the Ukrainian defender continuously stuck in the middle, helping Arsenal’s midfield overwhelm the four players on both sides of Tottenham. That laid the foundation for Arsenal’s first-half dominance and important 2-0 victory.
When meeting Man Utd in round 21 of the Premier League last weekend, Zinchenko had a conversation to energize his teammates before kickoff. Arsenal were locked in a frenzied struggle in the first hour and only began to take control in the final 30 minutes, as Zinchenko increased his influence. Zinchenko touched the ball 86 times – the most in the match – and opened Nketiah’s scoring goal. Zinchenko’s heat map is proof of Arteta’s statements in the summer of 2022, that he was “number 10 at the beginning of his career”.
It was during his time at Man City , working with Arteta – then Guardiola’s assistant, that Zinchenko was moved to left back. But that doesn’t mean Zinchenko’s ball control skills have decreased. Zinchenko is not highly appreciated for his defensive ability, but his strengths are great compensation. That is clearly shown when Zinchenko does not compete.
Kieran Tierney, despite struggling with injuries, is one of Arsenal’s most important players this season. Now the Scottish player is pushed to the bench. Despite providing solidity and the ability to attack the left flank, Tierney, or anyone else in Arteta’s squad, cannot play like Zinchenko. With Zinchenko and Ben White on the wings, Arsenal can swap between three and four defenders during the match.
Zinchenko held the ball to attack in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Man Utd on January 22. Photo: Reuters
In fact, Arsenal still plays well without Zinchenko. He missed seven Premier League matches due to injury, with Arsenal winning six and drawing one. That’s thanks to the efforts of Arteta and the players, but shows two examples of Zinchenko’s importance. Arteta chose the Ukrainian defender for three of the most important matches this season even if he was not at his best.
The last eight minutes of the match against Man Utd is another strong example. When Leandro Trossard entered the field for his Arsenal debut, Zinchenko welcomed the $32 million rookie by embracing his new teammate’s head with both hands and shouting encouragement. Not long after, the duo combined to create Nketiah’s goal, causing the Emirates stadium to explode.
The FA Cup, where Arsenal will play Man City in the fourth round today, may not be the top title priority for Arteta’s team. But as the Spanish military leader said, Arsenal still needs a victory to boost morale and give the team more confidence when returning to the Premier League race. And this will be another opportunity for Zinchenko to continue to prove his spiritual leader position and professional role with Arsenal against his old team.
