Jamie Carragher was critical of Oleksandr Zinchenko for ’switching off’ when Noni Madueke scored during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Frank Lampard’s Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
It was a dominant performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, who were 3-0 up in the first half, before Chelsea scored a goal of their own through the ‘dangerous’ Noni Madueke in the second.
The Chelsea winger made a run from outside to in and in behind Oleksandr Zinchenko, who Carragher thinks allows that to happen ‘too often’.
With the ball and from an attacking sense, no-one has ever questioned Zinchenko.
But from a defensive aspect, there have always been questions, which Carragher touched upon, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (02/05/23).
“He (Madueke) has had two or three moments,” said Carragher. “He has looked quite dangerous.
“But Zinchenko just switches off at left-back. He has a look (before the ball is played to Madueke), and then he doesn’t look back (once he makes the run).
“It’s a tight one, but it isn’t offside. But that’s what you want from your wide forwards (making runs from outside to in). Madueke makes a great run.
“But we have seen that too often this season. He can’t just switch off at that back post, Zinchenko. It’s messy as it goes in.”
ZINCHENKO’S DEFENSIVE SIDE
That moment when Trent Alexander-Arnold nutmegged Zinchenko and proceeded to cross the ball for Roberto Firmino to equalise has haunted the player since.
He has been one of a number of players that just haven’t been the same in recent weeks.
But you can’t argue much because, following his £30 million summer transfer (Sky Sports) from Manchester City, the Ukraine star is one of the main reasons why the London club are challenging for the Premier League title.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
