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Opinion
Mikel Arteta may not like what Oleksandr Zinchenko was doing on the bench against Aston Villa
Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park at the weekend.
Mikel Arteta made one change from the side that beat Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates on the opening day of the season, with Jurrien Timber coming in to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
It was David Raya who caught the eye of Alan Shearer with his display, making a number of crucial saves to keep his clean sheet intact. However, Arsenal wouldn’t have secured all three points if it wasn’t for goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomasꦑ Partey in the second-half.
It wasn’t all𒉰 smiles though, as one player in particular didn’t appear to enjoy his evening in the Midlands…
Oleksandr Zinchenko furious at being on the bench vs Aston Villa
Sky Sports cut to Oleksandr Zinchenko at a rather unfortunate time during the match against Aston Villa. The Arsenal🐬 defender was evidently far from happy on the substitutes’ bench, as he was seen biting his tongue and shaking his head behind Mikel Arteta, which certainly wasn’t a good look.
As an unused substitute this time round, perhaps this is something the defender will have to get used to against some of the bigger teams, as Gary Neville sugg🉐ests Zinchenko will play ag𒐪ainst the smaller teams.
The likes of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber already look to have worked their way ahead of Zinchenko in the pecking order at left-back, despite the latter’s experience. Although, Arteta did hint at playing Timber in midfield, so left-back✨ may not be his only position this season.
What will Mikel Arteta think?
Leandro Trossard sent Mikel Arteta a message with his performance after coming on against Aston Villa, grabbing a goal and completely ♉lifted the Gun🌠ners in the final third.
And, Mikel Arteta acওtually praised the winger after the game, as he stated: “First of all when you don’t get picked there are certain ways to react. He is upset but he is upset to show on the pitch how good he is, not upset and then come in and complain (he)🎶 wasn’t playing, that is a huge quality.”
This was possibly the worst timing for Zinchenko, who had literally sat behind♏ the Spaniard looking like he didn’t want to be at Villa Park throughout the 🐼match.
It’s understandable to be frustrated for not being pi📖cked after helping keep a clean sheet in the first game of the season, but for an 🔴experienced player to be sulking and getting upset is just childish.
With the unbeaten Brighton up next in the Premier League at the weekend, Zinchenko may be resigned to a place on the substitutes’ bench once again. But, if he does get 10-15 minutes to make an impact at the end of the ♑game, then it’s vital he makes it count.
Afterall, having lost out to Manchester City in the race for the title last season, more competition for places and squ🦋ad depth is something that can only help their chances t𒆙his time round.