Bacary Sagna believes Oleksandr Zinchenko has been left ‘exposed’ in the Arsenal side in recent weeks but believes still has an important role to play at the club.
The Ukraine international has been Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back for much of the season, starting 24 times in all competitions.
While back at the top of the Premier League for now, Arsenal are no longer in control of their own destiny thanks a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa earlier this month with Zinchenko attracting widespread criticism in the aftermath of that game.
His positioning in that game came under the spotlight again with Gunners great Davis Seaman suggesting he puts ‘everyone on edge’ with some of his decision-making.
Zinchenko has been named among the subs in Arsenal’s last two games with Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu slotting in at left-back against Wolves and Chelsea respectively.
With the former Manchester City often coming infield to provide support, Sagna says Arsenal have been ‘punished’ at times this season – but believes Zinchenko ‘matches the Arsenal way’ in the manner in which he plays.
‘I like Oleksandr Zinchenko – it’s been hard for him because he’s been exposed a lot of the time,’ Sagna told Paddy Power.
‘Whenever you’re asked to go in the middle of the park, out of position for the build-up, you’re going to be exposed. This is what has been happening, and Arsenal have been punished.
‘Technically, I think he’s a good player, he matches the Arsenal way. He’s a true professional and trains really hard.’
Arsenal make the short journey to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday where their arch-rivals could deal another major blow to their title hopes.
But with the Gunners looking dangerous again, Sagna is looking forward to a famous win for his old side on enemy territory.
‘I think Arsenal have to beat Tottenham. It’s a derby, and the intensity and quality is with Arsenal. Spurs have good players, but the way Arsenal approach this game every time is right.
‘Even with the pressure, they manage to perform. I’m looking forward to seeing Arsenal beating Spurs – not only because of momentum for the league, but because it matters to the fans and players.’
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