Mikel Arteta hailed Oleksandr Zinchenko’s performance against Manchester United, despite Ian Wright’s reservations during Arsenal’s 2-0 win at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both from corners, secured Arsenal’s victory after a goalless first half. Zinchenko, handed only his second Premier League start of the season, drew mixed reactions from Wright and Arteta.
Before kick-off, Wright expressed concern over Zinchenko’s inclusion. “I’m worried about the left side, I can’t lie,” the Arsenal legend said on The Overlap watchalong.
Those concerns grew in the second half when Zinchenko fouled Amad Diallo near Arsenal’s penalty area. “He frightens me to death,” Wright said during the game. “This is what I said, he worries me.”
Arteta responded by substituting Zinchenko shortly after the foul, shifting Timber to left-back while Thomas Partey moved to right-back. Wright saw the substitution as necessary, saying, “You know what, you’ve done well… this is a good move for you,” as Zinchenko exited the pitch.
However, Arteta strongly defended the Ukrainian’s performance in his post-match comments.
“Big credit to Jakub [Kiwior] and Alex,” Arteta said. “For Jakub, it’s his first start in a long time, and to face this level of opposition is not easy. The same for Alex—he did magnificently well. They prepared thoroughly, took their chances, and I’m very pleased for the team.”
The victory puts Arsenal seven points behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings, with Arteta emphasizing the collective effort that made the win possible.