Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira expressed strong criticism for Arsenal’s £32 million player after a lackluster performance against Lens, highlighting the player’s lack of pace and sluggishness. Vieira emphasized the risk in fielding the player again based on this performance, underlining the exposure of the player’s deficiencies during the match.
During the game against Lens, defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was a high-priced acquisition for Arsenal, struggled notably due to his inadequate pace. This was evident as Lens capitalized on his lack of speed, leading to detrimental outcomes for Arsenal. Pundit Adrian Clarke also voiced disappointment in Arsenal’s defeat, pointing out their struggles in creating clear-cut chances throughout the season.
The match against Lens showcased Arsenal’s difficulty in generating promising opportunities, which further added to their frustrations. The early exit of Bukayo Saka due to injury was a significant setback, yet it was expected that the remaining players on the pitch could have exerted more pressure on Lens. However, Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses were exposed, and they made critical errors that ultimately cost them the match.
Zinchenko, known for his attacking prowess, struggled defensively during the match, notably in dealing with Lens’ offensive plays. He was unable to thwart a crucial cross that led to Lens’ winning goal, further emphasizing his lack of pace. Consequently, he was swiftly substituted, with Ben White taking his place.
Clarke delved into the goals conceded by Arsenal, criticizing goalkeeper David Raya’s risky pass and Gabriel Magalhaes’ sloppy play that contributed to Lens’ success. Zinchenko’s deficiencies, particularly in speed and power, were clearly exploited by Lens, highlighting a vulnerability in Arsenal’s defensive setup.
Former footballer Michael Owen also chimed in, suggesting that Zinchenko appeared fatigued during the match, revealing a potential issue within the Arsenal squad. The absence of key players like Kieran Tierney, due to a loan departure, and the injury to Jurrien Timber, limited Arsenal’s left-back options. While Zinchenko displayed attacking prowess, his primary responsibility lies in defending and preventing goals, which he faltered in during the Lens match.
