Owen Hargreaves, the former Manchester United midfielder, voiced criticism of Alexander Zinchenko, the Ukrainian who has been part of Arsenal in recent seasons. The remarks were reported by Championship, citing The Kelly and Wrighty Show as the source of the discussion.
According to Hargreaves, Zinchenko represents Arsenal’s only weak point on the field, specifically at left back. He argued that the rest of the squad demonstrates quality strong enough to compete for the Premier League title. This assessment sparked discussion among fans and pundits about Zinchenko’s role and the balance of Arsenal’s defensive setup during the ongoing campaign.
Zinchenko’s career began in the youth ranks of Shakhtar Donetsk, before turning professional with Ufa in 2015. There was consideration of applying for Russian citizenship in order to avoid counting as a foreign player in the Russian league, but Zinchenko declined that option. In 2016, he moved to Manchester City, though his first season featured a stint with PSV in the Netherlands. The transfer to Arsenal came in the summer of 2022, and since then he has made notable contributions in the Premier League, including appearances in the 2022-23 season where he produced goals and assists in league competition that aided Arsenal’s campaign.
Arteta has consistently shown support for Zinchenko, praising his mindset and influence within the squad. The manager’s statements reflect a belief in Zinchenko’s importance to Arsenal’s tactical plans and his ability to adapt to multiple roles on the left side of the pitch. As Arsenal continues to navigate a competitive league, Zinchenko’s form and versatility remain central to the team’s ambitions, with fans closely watching how he and the defense evolve over the remainder of the season.