“He’s the bad stone in this Arsenal team, he has become a liability and if Arteta is not careful, he will lose the PL battle because of this player”- Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry mentions the Arsenal star who looks like the ‘problem’ and struggled alot during Arsenal’s 2-0 win against Luton Town last night.
Thierry Henry, the esteemed Arsenal icon, closely observed the match, pinpointing instances where Oleksandr Zinchenko struggled against a determined Luton side battling relegation. Zinchenko, making his first appearance since February’s victory over Liverpool, appeared rusty and exposed, with Andros Townsend capitalizing on his vulnerabilities.
In a critical juncture, Gabriel Magalhaes was seen reprimanding Zinchenko for leaving Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu unmarked, highlighting the defender’s struggles in thwarting the opposition’s advances. Henry, providing real-time commentary on Sky Sports, acknowledged Luton’s resilience and Townsend’s knack for unsettling Zinchenko on the wing.
Despite Zinchenko’s recent return from a calf injury, his performance fell short of expectations for a player of his caliber, particularly against a team languishing near the bottom of the league table. Jakub Kiwior, who admirably deputized during Zinchenko’s absence, seems set to maintain his starting role against formidable adversaries like Bayern Munich in the impending Champions League clash.
While Zinchenko’s difficulties against Townsend may not serve as ideal preparation for confronting Bayern’s potent attackers such as Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala, Kiwior’s presence on the left flank has fortified Arsenal’s defensive resilience. Notably, with Kiwior in the lineup, Arsenal achieved the rare feat of keeping a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City, a feat not accomplished since 2021.
For Arsenal’s number 15, Zinchenko’s lackluster performance brings a sense of relief, ensuring his ongoing importance within the team framework. Nevertheless, the task remains for Zinchenko to rediscover his form and make meaningful contributions to Arsenal’s aspirations, especially in high-stakes encounters on the European platform.
