Forget Nketiah and Saka: Arsenal’s “world-class” 88-touch “monster” just destroyed Man Utd
Arsenal passed their hardest test yet, a thrilling late triumph over Manchester United on Sunday night, and retained their lead in the Premier League rankings.
Forget Nketiah and Saka: Arsenal’s “world-class” 88-touch “monster” just destroyed Man Utd
Arsenal passed their hardest test yet, a thrilling late triumph over Manchester United on Sunday night, and retained their lead in the Premier League rankings.
Manchester City had previously smashed Wolverhampton Wanderers to put pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men, clinching all three points after falling behind to take a five-point lead over the defending champions.
And the Spaniard owes his match-winning goal in the 90th minute to Eddie Nketiah, who had already scored the Gunners’ first goal – the first equalizer – either side of Bukayo Saka’s spectacular angled effort.
However, there were many heroes on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, including some who may go unnoticed, such as versatile left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was virtually playing as an extra.
He not only came back to win his duels, but practically every play went via him, culminating in the aforementioned three-point win.
The Ukraine star, who cost Arsenal only £32 million in the summer, led the way with 85 touches, the most of any player on the field, highlighting how essential he was to the end win.
With that possession, he completed 57 accurate throws (88%), one of which was a huge opportunity created, while also performing some strong and great defensive responsibilities, living up to the’monster’ moniker with two tackles, two interceptions, and one clearance.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko’s heatmap was impressive, with him occupying a regular spot as a left-sided attacking midfielder, demonstrating not only how much influence he had but also how Arsenal had the Red Devils camped in their own box for much of the game, with the £150k-per-week star at the heart of the action.
There simply weren’t enough superlatives to describe his performance, which varied from “unreal” from the Evening Standard’s Simon Collings to “truly outstanding” from Rank Squad podcaster Jack Collins.
Freddie Paxton, a Guardian and Times reporter, waxed poetic as well, adding, “Alex Zinchenko. He was frequently talking to his teammates. Getting the crowd involved. Never runs away, master of ball retention.” EXTREMELY NICE.”
Indeed, Zinchenko was the true star of the show as Arsenal recorded what may be a pivotal victory at this point in the season. If the 26-year-old continues to produce and lead in this manner, he will undoubtedly be collecting the Premier League trophy in May.
