Don't really want to pile onto Zinchenko - he's been one of our better players in a great season. However, it's not the first time he's been a weak link in some of the bigger games we've played this season and it hasn't gone unnoticed. It's tricky when we face teams who our going to fight us for control rather than let us have it - Zinchenko becomes a lot more nulified as he was against Liverpool. It's worth noting that no player will be perfect of course, but I feel like Zinchenko's weaknesses were laid bare yesterday, including the fact that he's a very emotionally charged player and that can be a strength as well as a weakness.
The entire left side yesterday was being carried by Martinelli largely, with Gabriel also doing a lot of work. Xhaka and Zinchenko were outfought largely and I would not normally say that about the former either. That was a theme vs Newcastle aswell. I feel there's still an extra gear to be had from that left side combination. May sound harsh but while I expect Zinchenko to continue to be a success in the near future, I do envision him eventually becoming replaced by someone a bit sturdier in a couple of seasons. We'll have to see how it goes - in any case, I want to see him bounce back vs West Ham.
The entire left side yesterday was being carried by Martinelli largely, with Gabriel also doing a lot of work. Xhaka and Zinchenko were outfought largely and I would not normally say that about the former either. That was a theme vs Newcastle aswell. I feel there's still an extra gear to be had from that left side combination. May sound harsh but while I expect Zinchenko to continue to be a success in the near future, I do envision him eventually becoming replaced by someone a bit sturdier in a couple of seasons. We'll have to see how it goes - in any case, I want to see him bounce back vs West Ham.