Aaron Ramsdale says Arsenal are totally transformed when Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the pitch
Aaron Ramsdale has stated that Arsenal’s performance changes significantly when Oleksandr Zinchenko is playing. The Gunners managed to secure an important victory at Villa Park, having to come from behind twice against Unai Emery’s team.
Matty Cash dispossessed Zinchenko, which led to Ollie Watkins scoring the opening goal for Villa within five minutes. Despite this setback, Mikel Arteta’s side managed to equalize thanks to a great finish from Bukayo Saka.
However, Villa took the lead again just before half-time as Philippe Coutinho finished off a superb move.
In the second half, Arsenal staged an impressive comeback to clinch a win by scoring three goals.
Zinchenko started the scoring with a powerful shot after a cleverly crafted corner kick, and despite his earlier mistake in the first half, the 26-year-old played outstandingly for the remainder of the game.
Ramsdale has expressed admiration for Zinchenko’s positive influence on the Arsenal team.
Zinchenko joined Arsenal from his former club for a transfer fee of £32 million during the summer, and he has stood out as a key player in Arteta’s team.
Ramsdale spoke to Viaplay after the Gunners’ 4-2 triumph at Villa Park and emphasized that the team’s style of play changes significantly when the talented Ukrainian midfielder is on the pitch.
“He brings a completely different dimension to the team, allows us to play the way we want to. Yeah, he’s been there and he’s done it. He’s got four out of five Premier Leagues [titles] so he knows what it takes to win,” the Arsenal shot stopper said.
“He’s been brilliant, you see the passion he’s got. He’s only been here a couple of months but he’s a huge part of our group.”
Although Zinchenko is typically listed as a left-back for Arsenal, he frequently ventures into midfield and provides the team with an additional option in the center of the pitch.
The full-back has adapted admirably to his new position under Arteta, and it’s evident that the Gunners perform better with him in the team. Arteta will be pleased with how his squad reacted to falling behind in their most recent match, particularly after a difficult period of form.
The Gunners’ triumph on this occasion was a fantastic response to their loss in a major match against Manchester City earlier in the week. Pep Guardiola’s team also drew against Nottingham Forest on the same day, allowing Arsenal to regain their position at the top of the table.
Aaron Ramsdale says Arsenal are totally transformed when Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the pitch