Arsenal legend David Seaman has now been commenting on one performance against Aston Villa yesterday which really troubled fans.
Earlier in the year it felt like Mikel Arteta’s side really galvanised after suffering some damaging defeats over the festive period.
Players were injured, Arteta didn’t have his best options available, and yet Arsenal rallied to turn around their season.
However, a few months later down the line, one defeat has now called everything into question.
Mikel Arteta has been flawless in his decision-making this season, but his line up yesterday is now being interrogated.
Gabriel Jesus starting the game at the expense of Jorginho or Thomas Partey in the pivot has proved an unpopular decision, with many also disappointed to see Kai Havertz dropping deeper.
And whilst the pundits and supporters should be wary of overreacting – Arsenal have been flawless of late, there’s merits to the argument.
That being said, it was a different Arsenal player who David Seaman had an issue with yesterday.
David Seaman thought Oleksandr Zinchenko was putting Arsenal fans on edge yesterday
The Arsenal icon was speaking on the ‘Seaman Says’ podcast and singled out Oleksandr Zinchenko for a bit of criticism.
Seaman thought Zinchenko gave the ball away in important positions against Aston Villa and was making everyone at the Emirates nervous.
He explained: “Watching Zinchenko in that left back position, I know he likes to go into midfield, but sometimes he gives the ball away in really important positions.
“He got caught out a couple of times and that puts everybody on edge.”
And in truth, it’s really hard to argue with David Seaman’s words on this occasion, the left-back’s performance did hurt Arsenal.
It almost feels as if the £30m-defender is out of sync with his teammates right now, which was perhaps best illustrated by a moment in the first half.
The moment that summarised Oleksandr Zinchenko’s predicament at Arsenal
Villa midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo was down injured off the ball but as per the rules, and ref’s discretion, Arsenal were allowed to play on and continue their attack.
And Zinchenko’s decision to then kick the ball out of play met a chorus of boos around the Emirates.
Yes, it was a sporting gesture that deserves applause, but it felt out of sync with the ruthless team Arsenal have become.
Zaniolo’s issue wasn’t a head injury, and Arsenal were in full flow.
Zinchenko obviously doesn’t deserve chastising for this incident alone, far from it, but it almost felt like a microcosm of his predicament right now.
The reaction in the Emirates to boo Zinchenko wasn’t right, but the moment did feel like a turning point.
Zinchenko has been a fine player for Arsenal, and he definitely still has a place in his squad, but it feels as if his game does need to be tweaked, he needs to match the direction the team is heading in.
All that being said, Gary Neville thought a different Arsenal player was the real ‘problem’ for the Gunners yesterday.
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