Why Arsenal and Zinchenko make so much sense

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When Arsenal signed Manchester City pair Gabriel Jesus and Oleksander Zinchenko Arsenal fans hoped they would take them to the next level. Jesus would provide goals from the central forward position, but it was unclear what difference Zinchenko would make.
Jon Mackenzie explains that Zinchenko’s unique tactical profile has given Arsenal a level of control they wouldn’t have otherwise. Illustrated by Philippe Fenner.
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#Arsenal #AFC

[@3bladeninja21]

Zinchenko is the first Central defensive attacking midfield left back I've ever seen

[@aes1373]

He's the most player ever

[@albertoceleghin1988]

Kimmich has been doing that for a few years. Both guardiola and Arteta learned it back in Barcelona with Crujiff total football. My 2 cents...🤗

[@sriig]

@@albertoceleghin1988 and Philipp Lahm probably added 3 years to his playing career by learning to invert. Granted, with him it was a bit more extreme, he stopped lining up at fullback altogether but that move was the end result of a Guardiola-instructed inversion.

[@natebernasconi]

Just on the left and central? 😄 I do agree Kimmich has managed a bit the same, but Lahm?

[@adarshnim209]

Fabian Delph. Next.

[@indroputranto1850]

Aside from the technicalities, he also brings that winning mentality to the young team. He's always fired up, often giving team talks before and during the match.

[@albinalex9447]

Pls support 100 subcribers

[@smilligan]

But according to Gary Neville, he's not a leader 😂😂

[@indroputranto1850]

@@smilligan shame on him, really

[@alzer6467]

@@smilligan Gary Neville is "phoning in" his punditry for the last few years. I dont think he watches that much football anymore. He still thinks United will finish second and Arsenal are just another Leicester. Arsenal confuse him.

[@Avalon_1991]

​@@smilligan probably why he was sacked as a manager after a few months

[@TheBigBen247]

In my opinion, Zinchenko is still very much underrated, what a player! You will struggle to find any fullback anywhere in the world who offers what he offers to this Arsenal football team in and out possession, simply put he is the very best all rounded left back available right now by any margins you want to employ.

[@samahita-vca]

He's an Arsenal fan through and through and maybe playing for his favorite team gives him extra boost

[@kouen8781]

Not hard to find you just play midfielder at full back and thats it.Pep did this with Bernardo Silva

[@natscrib4753]

@@kouen8781 meaning it is hard to find

[@Movie_Blizzard]

​@@samahita-vca source???

[@AndrewDavidSmith-85]

​@@kouen8781But he's not a mf though

[@SantomPh]

Zinchenko also provides a left sided pass on the right side of the pitch, so there are unorthodox passes into the box and inswinging crosses. He can also run quick enough to change position.

[@ibrahimhassan711]

im glad another person caught that, similar wavelength

[@juanjosevasquez4760]

besides Zinchenko ability on the pitch, the fact that he goes straight to the fans after they score is what makes it for me. you can see him pumping up the team, his expressiveness gives Arsenal something special. not to take away from his form, but that mentality is hard to get now in a player

[@brotakig1531]

That's why hes one of my favorite's, love the passion!

[@kartikselvaraju6675]

His soft skills are amazing too. I remember when trossard scored and he ran over to him and did his celebration. It’s a small thing but it’s what makes a great CEO. Remembering the minor details in the midst of all the business madness, showing that they’re human. Additionally, he knows how to play to the fans, often getting them pumped up. Lastly, we’ve all said this, the guy looks hungry to succeed. The winning mentality he brings to the squad is invaluable. For 35 million, he’s an absolute coup. ZINCHENKO WE LOVE YOU ❤

[@blubb410]

Don't forget that Ukraine is at war for over a year now. Can't imagine how many of his friends and relatives he is worried about. Still performing at a world class level. What a professional, highest respect! ♫♪♫ “Always believe iiiiiiin, Zinchenko, oh! Always believe in your souuul. You’ve got the power to know, you’re indestructible!” ♫♪♫♪

[@karlsylvain]

yes we know

[@SC1W]

He’s not worried about them at all- he’s only worried about himself! He’s a chicken and a coward who’d watch his nation be scorched and not lift a finger- as long as he’s earning his 800k a month and is nice and safe under his bed, he doesn’t give a toss!!

[@viola28]

His family's in Russia. But that doesn't say anything.

[@מיכאלסרברניקוב]

@@viola28, troll.

[@saltech2024]

😢

[@jamzeejam]

my profile picture says it all, been a Arsenal fan since the late 90s and this man is a gift from god, also can we shout out to Tifo for using the ukrainian colours to show the possession on the pitch, small and subtle little nod there,

[@gentleken7864]

It's weird to think IF Arsenal win the league and that's a big IF, that two players in Jesus and Zinchenko could be the difference. Jesus filled a place for a position we needed, but with Tierney, I don't think he'd tuck in so well as a midfielder as Zinchenko has done. I suppose it's these aspects of team-building and buying the exact players for your system and the transitions that most of us don't realise.

[@Ben-gh1bz]

Why is that a big IF. They are the best team in league at the moment. They are more likely to win it than anyone else.

[@TheKh65]

Why is a 'big' if?

[@gentleken7864]

@@Ben-gh1bz I can't jinx it. If you told me last year that Arsenal would be top at this stage, I may blacked out, so surprised given the last decade. Maybe also still thinking it may not happen at this stage will help with the consolation if we mess it up. But, yes, we've been the best team in the league and that's amazing to see.

[@Ben-gh1bz]

@@gentleken7864 Don’t worry. Arsenal are not only winning but they are playing really well. The system is good. The players are amazing. There’s no coincidence. They can’t mess this up. Have some confidence! They know how to win even games they are not supposed to.

[@bramibrahim3490]

@@gentleken7864 that is decades of hurt and i feel you man,don't wanna jinx it too 😭

[@georgepilkington9350]

Zinny is a world class player, arguably playing even better at Arsenak than he did at City. He is a great addition to their squad, so reliable and commanding

[@juniorkhomari1850]

This might be one of the most underrated transfers I've ever seen. Similar to firmino to liverpool in 2015

[@Viewer41]

Really? 🤣🤣 The striker who barely scores? 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@StuTheDon17]

​@Viewer 41 Firmino is a CF. Even played as a false 9 a lot of the time. He didn't score a lot of goals, but he was crucial for that front 3 of Salah, Mane and himself. His movement benefited the other 2

[@Pantalaimon91]

​@@StuTheDon17 Movement, passing, runs, pressing, Firmino was the heartbeat of that front line. His contributions frequently go under represented as well as there's no "hockey assist" that tells who the second to last pass game from before the goal.

[@7Criska]

@@Viewer41 Bobby walked so Salah and Mane could run. Try 150 emojis next time, and maybe you will be right.

[@reddd-77]

@@Viewer41 you must be a very pleasant person to be a around.

[@supergooner1362]

Zinny occupies so many positions when Arsenal is in position and he is by far the best left back I have ever seen

[@rdg0983]

Trueeeeee

[@juniorkhomari1850]

I'd have to say when Alaba at bayern. Or even lahm

[@opinionatortv6457]

Can't believe Man City held this absolute beast back

[@areebsiddiqui758]

Ashley Cole and Roberto Carlos: 👁👄👁

[@DS-bz4mz]

@@areebsiddiqui758 They were very different players tho. It's hard to compare a somewhat traditional full back (Cole) to a very offensive one (Roberto Carlos) and to an inverted fullback (Zinchenko; especially since it's quite a new thing) They have very different roles

[@DimaGolovatyi]

Thank you for the video, guys. And thank you all for kind comments - it's so great to see that a player from your homeland is appreciated so much. And also huge thanks for using Ukraine's colours on the pitch diagram. Such subtle gestures of support mean a lot to all of us.

[@Singhtoo]

I love how this channel is slowly turning into an Arsenal one

[@imconfused1237]

That’s what happens when a client pays for positive content.

[@rosuzzieagnes124]

Where they not one before or ?

[@Jim_Milton29]

Need a Partey analysis video ASAP. Probably the best #6 in the world this season. Pressing, Tackling, Carrying, Take-ons, Recycling, Creating and scoring; Never seen ONE player do all those things at such a high level.

[@davronbekibrokhimov175]

Casemiro is also playing exceptionally well like partey. I am not trying to compare because these two are the reasons for both teams playing well

[@Glory-Compass]

Not a #6, that’s a holding midfielder. Partey is a Number 5 which is a Defensive midfielder

[@opinionatortv6457]

@@Glory-Compass Isn't that a 4?

[@Jim_Milton29]

@@Glory-Compass You can call it whatever you want. 😄 For me a single midfield pivot is a #6. 😅

[@Jim_Milton29]

@@davronbekibrokhimov175 Casemiro has had a far better career than Partey, not even on the same level. And they're very different players. But yeah, he's probably been the best Utd player alongwith Lisandro & Rashford.

[@nnamdidike5061]

Not to mention that he’s been an Arsenal fan for a while and is so passionate about the club and about bringing the club back to where it belongs. His gym mural says it all

[@mikeheap7978]

This aged well after last nights Liverpool goal. He was subbed off and crying during the game.

[@prathneo]

Guys at TIFO must be burning inside making these Arsenal videos

[@werewolf1803]

Why?

[@captain_noodles]

y?

[@Dawott]

Why?

[@imconfused1237]

Tifo is a commercial media platform. Clients pay for content. Do the math.

[@prathneo]

@@werewolf1803 they hate Arsenal and predicted that the project will fail

[@angkhoapham8209]

His only drawback is his lack of agressiveness in certain situations. Sometimes you just need players like Tomiyasu or Tierney to just cling onto the opposite players and hassle them, which Zinchenko cant really do.

[@green_arr0w84]

That and he's got no right foot whatsoever.

[@dennisgichohi5392]

Yeah that's why we need depth there is certain opponests where well

[@adhynugroho9424]

Zinchenko and Arteta are a tactical match made in footballing heaven.

[@karlsylvain]

zinch has been raised the pep war at city. that`s why he is so stellar with possession

[@mumba3263]

Back to back arsenal tifo videos, we are massive

[@belsthegreat]

The tactics that Arteta uses at times are very high risk, high reward. People judge this Arsenal team on the past which is a fair assessment, but what makes this Arsenal team scary is not the fact that they are doing well or that they are dominant. What makes them scary is that they are eager and willing to learn. The reason why they weren't doing well in Feb is because of teams playing low blocks but they powered through it and now their recent game against Fulham shows that teams don't want to play that way against Arsenal because they will embarrass you if all you do is defend and still lose at the end of the day

[@darylsmoov7169]

They have a chance to win the PL this season, they deserve it Arsenal 💪🏻

[@Abulbeesh82]

The beauty of Zinchenko is that he seems to have played for the Gunners for years. The zest which he creates in the team is amazing

[@kohikappu]

It reminds me about Arshavin, felt like he was playing for 10 years but it was just 2-3.

[@Manoj17Patankar]

Zina is a mentality monster.. along with technical abilities he brings real guts and fire to this young team!

[@vaulstein]

Just realized that Zinchenko is a better version of Trent Alexander Arnold. He is an inverted fullback who knows also how to defend when required.

[@mysteryfiles8492]

Winning aerial duels is also Zinchenko's underated trait!

[@bellherin.6287]

He's a technically excellent, versatile, tactically aware Swiss army knife of a player who also just happens to absolutely adore the club. Couldn't have found a more fitting player for Arteta's project.

[@hishaam3786]

Zinchenko is helping Arsenal to win the league through his winning mentality and I hope he carries the same in UCL

[@nespokiy]

He's got perfect sense of the pitch and partners and very good pass accuracy which is essential for playing beetween the lines and swiftly change the directions of a play. Good fella

[@Maj1794]

What a signing he's been for us so far 👏🏽

[@outtrun]

Goat Thumbnail

[@fortuneaniyi8601]

Zinchenko football iq is insane

[@Avalon_1991]

The signings by Arteta and Edu have been really good. Everyone was sceptical of Ramsdale but he was great. I'd never heard of Tomiyasu and he's a great squad player. One or two like Willian and Lonkonga weren't great but most have been good.

[@sophie-lu4fs]

zinny is just the personification of passion and love in one small man

[@st0rmchas3r]

The people who made the thumbnail deserves a raise.

[@albinalex9447]

Pls support 50 subcribers

[@EduSaav]

U mean the AI?

[@zuh7843]

Your music selection is lovely guys.

[@9roobanote]

Now I understand why Arteta was trying to play Xhaka at full back

[@natebernasconi]

Holy sh*t, you're right. Every time he fouled in the box I screamed but it's absolutely the LB to box midfielder he was trying to create. Holy f***ing shi*t I'm looking at this anew.

[@natebernasconi]

Upvote this man

[@rerichii]

That's one amazing thumbnail of Zinny

[@StriderDSC]

It's ironic that nearly 100 years after Herbert Chapman pioneered the WM formation at Arsenal, they sign Zinchenko who allows them to play it once again.

[@akech24]

thumbnail terrified me

[@karlzkarlo7012]

Pep tried the inverted fullback with John (a stronger player than Lewis) against Leipzig, and it paid off!

[@caseyimiller]

Stones looks really good moving into midfield

[@azraelgm]

I've been sceptical of his actual defensive abilities, and critical of how often he gives the ball away leading to chances for the opposition. But most of the time when he is in that inverted role, he's incredible. I don't know how long this will work for Arsenal - I can imagine teams getting the better of us eventually, targeting our left-hand side, and that's where someone like KT would be preferable. Our midfield is due to change significantly post-Xhaka too, and that could really change how Zinchenko is deployed.

[@echzee33]

I saw Arsenal, i clicked play

[@zsht]

Fair play to Tifo for putting out all these Arsenal explainers with the hope it will help PL managers beat them

[@janky14x]

This man out here giving away all Arsenal's secrets

[@makingmiracleshappen]

To sum up zinchenko in one word: PASSIONATE!!!!

[@Nyte-Owl]

His winning mentality is the biggest contribution.

[@uryth]

While the inverting fullback is a good idea to have in theory - it is probably critical to have the right player (technically and tactically) to play that role. You could force Tomiyasu or Tierney to play that role tactically, but I'd suspect with very different degrees of success, if any. This also makes Arsenal vulnerable, if Zinny is injured, as he is such an important cog (almost irreplaceable) in the entire Arsenal machinery.

[@Yueoy01]

banging thumbnail fellas, love the artwork

[@strangulator123]

You're telling me that's NOT Simon Pegg shouting at the fourth wall in the thumbnail you've got there?!

[@turbojojol]

The correct way to pronounce our fellow Ukrainian’s last name is with a stress on the first syllable - Z’inchenko, not Zinch’enko. I understand that ppl think it should sound like Shevchenko, but it isn’t.

[@ashleyedwards3082]

I think we looked at city as this monster of a team with strength and depth all over. Zinchenko and Jesus have really shown how exceptional they are in this arsenal side. They weren’t just fringe players but actually pivotal in the city squad whether it be on the pitch, in the changing room or even pushing elite players for places. Of course other players are more lauded but we are really seeing how good they are now. I’m not sure people would have classed either of them as world class but they could very well be the difference in where the title goes this year. Not to mention city have also added Haaland to their squad, albeit lost Cancelo.

[@jamesleonard90]

Great thumbnail

[@Obekant08]

I heard a story of Zinchenko when he arrived to Arsenal, he was totally set on winning the league. Now if they do... Zinchenko really deserves it, especially considering his home country of Ukraine. Go on Zinchenko!

[@kagescar]

Arsenal can thank pep for helping them win the league what a nice guy

[@truegunner7223]

Lets not forget Arsenal tried to sign Lisandro Martinez before Zinchenco ..you have to thank Man U first for almost doubling the bid to Ajax to sign the Argentine for them.

[@bibubabobi9190]

I wonder if Arteta could help revitalise previous city unwanted player Angelino. He and Zinchenko were both playing in hybrid role (LB and Midfield) maybe not as central as zinny but he is technically good and shown good understanding and awareness in game situation.

[@pauloalves2840]

SPORTING ALLEZ LA LA LA LA LA SPORTING ALLEZ

[@richardmo5003]

Tifo be dropping Arsenal contents on a steady 😅

[@tatamigalaxy3473]

Fascinating watch and analysis!

[@iMertin90]

when showing the LB come inside you need to explain why the back 4 became a 3.. some wont pick that up you have to move them all in to have 3 cbs who can move to lb and rb quick to cover

[@Rafamonell]

I mentioned that from the start of the season that he is actually the most important acquisition from the summer :)

[@BrianEstabrook]

He's among the very best at this position in all of world football right now. Others who can play this role (but maybe don't with their current club) include Cancelo (Bayern), Kimmich (Bayern), Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rico Henry (Man City), Alaba (Real Madrid), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Daley Blind (Bayern), and Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund).

[@JohnstersInc]

Honestly I was more excited about his signing than Jesus, but that might have been the surprise factor. I love tierney and I’m so pleased to have a top quality backup there, but zinchenko has the technical and mental ability that makes him one of the best players in the league

[@crushalbanks9110]

Perfect analysis!!!

[@hectorr6299]

Zinchenko + Arsenal= Passion

[@gunner23]

Zinchenko’s genius is that not only does he become the extra man in MF but he becomes the main man in MF and looks the more comfortable on the ball than Parthay and Xhaka. He’s the best player I’ve seen play for Arsenal since the Invincibles.

[@lukemclellan2141]

He isn't better than fabregas

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

Zinchenko is good, but you are taking it too far.

[@gunner23]

@@domagojhrgovic7419 I've been watching Arsenal since 1993. I know exactly what I'm saying.

[@domagojhrgovic7419]

@@gunner23 I've watched since 2001 and he is definitely not the best Arsenal players since the invincibles, but you are entitled to your opinion. He is a midfielder that starts as a leftback and that makes him unique, but not the best.

[@gunner23]

@@lukemclellan2141 not a fan. Obviously very talented but he never tracked back well, or the showed passion to. For a captain that for me was not good enough.

[@joelthorpe4170]

Zinchenko is a CM playing at LB .. he bound to be better at central positions and inverting. He has the ball control and composure to do so effectively.

[@london_james]

smart use of blue and yellow in the animation

[@highnoon7097]

Nice illustration in the thumbnail of Simon Pegg circa 1996

[@ManLikeMatts]

Could you guys do a tactical comparison between the current Arsenal and the Arsenal under Arsene Wenger? I never had the chance to understand Wenger's tactics at Arsenal as I am able to do now so it would be nice to see what made them successful back then and if there are any similarities to what is making them successful now

[@SongofIceandTea]

Zinc and GJ shows style of play that i never knew they possessed back in Man City, i think it's also proof of some of Pep ex players claiming Pep were so strict with his tactics that sometimes limits the players ability and freedom, just makes me wonder, how well players like Bernardo Silva, Rodri, or Phil Foden if they are play with more freedom.

[@SongofIceandTea]

@@sandboxplayerz667 wrong, pep won 4 in 6 season, he finished 4th in his first epl season then spent 200 mil euros in the next window

[@SongofIceandTea]

@@sandboxplayerz667 no you didn't, 4 out 5 means he only failed once, but no, he failed 2 times in 6 years, spending twice more than all of his contender

[@SongofIceandTea]

@@sandboxplayerz667 you literally said pep, LOL

[@SongofIceandTea]

@@sandboxplayerz667 you are the one that said pep won 4 in 5 years, and who's he ? Why are you so confused ?

[@SongofIceandTea]

@@sandboxplayerz667 the stats is lie, he won 4 in 6 years, come on, you can do better no you didn't knew, you just google it after i said you are wrong and you still trying to justify of your wrong information

[@Arejen03]

he can play literally everywhere at this point

[@PrabhavKhandelwal]

What a thumbnail

[@MihailBFC]

a video on Kompany and Burnley please

[@jaden7244]

I dont mean to be rude but could you please do a video/segment in a video on the differences for Arsenal's style of play when they have Ben White starting versus Tomiyasu starting

[@Farzar017]

Joe is back. Exciting🎉

[@dr_ubo]

Not sure if the best signing of the season, but he is a runner up for most _underrated_ signing of the season. He adds a lot of tactical flexibility and a dressing room attitude leader. Bonus points for having played for Arteta before at City.

[@natebernasconi]

Legit, who is the most underrated signing of the season then?

[@gentnextdoor]

His techical ability is almost as good as Ordegaard but his real value has been his mentality. The young players really look up to him.

[@tast7017]

City fans know how good he is.

[@solomonkhaluhi4426]

protagonist: 'Sir, are you inverted?...I will not repeat myself'

[@mohammedmohsin2128]

Doesn't make sense that we are open to getting attacked on our left hand side regularly because Zinchenko is never there. The likes of Bayern and Madrid will punish us hard for that next year. Even Napoli. It's ridiculous the way we've treated Tierney. He could have been utilised much more this season whilst still giving Zinchenko plenty of game time

[@EyesWall]

Hence when Zinchenko loses the ball the structure of Arsenal completely breaks down. I saw it in games and now I get it tactically thanks to tifo.

[@kohikappu]

I don't agree that Zincheko necessarily has a role as an "inverted full-back". It's rather that there must be a new term to coin this out - since he also is a creative motor.

[@arbstrakzak]

As a South African, hearing someone called an 'inverter' during our loadshedding crisis hits differently.

[@sandisomkhize2006]

😂😂

[@legendovbago4716]

That meeans Zinchenkos wife is blessed to have an inverted full back

[@sibusisobenya2742]

Zinchenko is a great sign of how ruthless Arteta is. A year ago, we were all banging on about KT being Arsenal captain. Now he can't get any playing time. I love KT, but Zinchenko is just a better option for us. Tactically, technically better for us. He also seems like the right type of nutter to boot. That said, KT will be brilliant at a team like Newcastle.

[@wills.1978]

when you think about it, over the course of the season, zinchenko has made just as much impact as jesus at arsenal

[@eleonarcrimson858]

I don’t know much about tactics so can someone more knowledgeable enlighten me which is better against low blocks? A poacher striker like nketiah or a fluid system with trossard?

[@BURZUMY3ah]

Zinchenko created a whole new position. Left centre defensive back midfield.

[@littleb9298]

We are lucky that we signed Zinchenko in summer but not in winter, otherwise... Mudyrk: Yes

[@cheangizzz]

What a great thumbnail

[@adhynugroho9424]

Nice thumbnail! Sums up Zinchenko fairly. :D

[@Michael-tk9mx]

Its simple Arteta has copied Pep. Pep started the inverted full back. Arteta just bought a player that was coached on it and stuck him in the team. Arteta is playing city football from the 17/18 season when they won 4 trophies. Pacey tricky wingers a false 9 and added the inverted full back. Pep knows that system so well, he made it. Why was it so easy for city to play Arsenal and beat them. He knew all the tactics already.

[@DB-uf6md]

Lol great illustration

[@gbemigaakiniola8744]

ZIN CHEN KO OOOH ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOUR SOOOUUUULL YOU GOT THE POWER TO KNOW YOUR INDESTRUCTABLEEE ALWAYS BELIEVE ITTT

[@jasonkashefi8241]

gettttt innnnnnn

[@Blindmonkey69]

And he was out for a bit of the season, people seem to forget Arsenal kept things going without both of them

[@BeatRoot14]

People keep going on about Arsenal have no experience in a title race, meanwhile, zinchenko, jesus and arteta have all been in title races, and Jorginho has won euro 2020 and champions league. Hope we can do it!