What is the importance of Zinchenko for Arsenal? Xhaka grows with his presence, Gunners are variable

Arsenal are challenging for their first league title since the 2003/04 season. Not thanks to one individual, but mainly thanks to a quality team performance. The big leader in any case is the summer signing from Manchester City, Oleksandr Zinchenko.

From the start of the season the Gunners were dragged by Gabriel Jesus, gradually the role of leader was taken over by Bukayo Saka. December and the start of January belonged to Martin Odegaard and the whole of January was directed by Eddie Nketiah and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Winning mentality

First, an insight into Zinchenko’s approach to the games. His commitment and concentration on team success are rarely seen, you can’t even tell from his emotions if he is playing or sitting on the bench. He always lives with the team 100 percent.

He also has experience of winning major trophies from Manchester City. And those will come in handy for the young team in the final battle for the overall championship. Zinchenko knows the rigours of the Premier League title journey and, in the words of Mikel Arteta, he is the one who takes charge of the motivational speeches while opening the talk of first place.

Switching systems

Now to the Ukrainian’s contribution game-wise. Zinchenko is key for Arteta as he is used to starting in the midfield as well. Although on paper Arsenal play with four defenders, in the game Zinchenko moves up a line and Arsenal attack in a 3-3-1-3 system.

The formation looks odd, but Zinchenko does indeed slot in on the left side alongside Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. When the ball is lost and the opponent breaks quickly, Xhaka or Zinchenko, depending on who is closer, withdraws to the left side of the defence.

It may sound a bit chaotic, but it works incredibly well for Arsenal. Thanks to Zinchenko. He does circulate an incredible amount of space on the left side as he is actively involved in the build-up play. Mainly in the form of forward passes.

Xhaka doesn’t have to put out

Related to Zinchenko’s ubiquity is Xhaka’s improved performance. The Swiss international has been collecting cards in a big way in the past seasons, as he extinguished his and his teammates’ losses. This year, however, before the opponent establishes a break, Zinchenko is already there and already armed.

Xhaka’s co-operation with Zinchenko also suits him because the Ukrainian isn’t a speed type of runner and Gabriel Martinelli’s speed and concurrent workrate will cover the line pretty much on his own. When defending, Zinchenko and Xhaka can then switch positions, as they are both left-handed and both have experience at left-back.

Source: Premier League