In Focus: Zinchenko proving defensive doubters wrong at Arsenal

Oleksandr Zinchenko has had his critics at Arsenal.

While there is no doubting the full-back's technical quality, some have questioned his defensive ability.

But he was impressive in Saturday's 1-0 win at Brentford, making several key interventions — including an excellent block on the line to help his side secure a clean sheet.

We take a closer look at Zinchenko's performances so far this season ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with Lens.

Pass master

Having started his career as a midfielder — before being converted to a full-back by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City — Zinchenko's strengths are obvious.

And Mikel Arteta has used the Ukraine international to great effect, playing him as an inverted left-back.

That has given Arsenal more control in possession, with Zinchenko ranking fourth in the Gunners' squad for passes completed per 90 minutes (67.53) and top for completed deliveries into the final third per 90 (23.42).

He also boasts an impressive pass completion rate of just over 90% and ranks second for total touches per 90 (94.87).

However, the 26-year-old's ability on the ball can mean Arsenal are forced to compromise out of possession with gaps sometimes appearing for opposition wingers to exploit.

He was certainly more robust against Brentford, though, following up on a strong performance in his side's 3-1 win over Burnley before the international break.

Point to prove

Arteta had been turning to Takehiro Tomiyasu more frequently in recent weeks amid concerns over Zinchenko's defensive vulnerabilities.

The 25-year-old is a solid, if unspectacular, option at left-back and was named Arsenal's Player of the Month in October.

But Zinchenko looked very much like a player with something to prove against both Burnley and Brentford.

After the Burnley victory, Arteta said: "I'm very happy with him [Zinchenko].

"Especially against these teams, the fluidity, threat that he brings, the spaces that he occupies and opens for other players is critical.

"I really liked how defensively committed he was today."

Defensive commitment will be key for Zinchenko as he strives to nail down Arsenal's left-back berth for the remainder of the campaign.

As he proved at the Brentford Community Stadium, the North Londoners' No35 has the tenacity and positional intelligence to play a big part off the ball — as well as on it.

Squad depth

Arteta's decision to occasionally leave Zinchenko out of the side appears to have paid off.

The 58-cap international has come back with a steely look in his eye, determined to reestablish himself as a key player in N7.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: "We have an amazing squad and good competition in every single position. I think it is definitely a positive sign.

"We are on the right way. We are working so hard as a team, the coaching staff as well.

"Every single day we give our all and the energy of our fans gives us a boost that we have a bright future."

As Arsenal return to Champions League action against Lens, Zinchenko will be looking to continue his strong form and dispel any doubts about his importance to the Gunners.