OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO captained Arsenal during today’s match against Leicester.
The full-back, 26, was handed the armband as a mark of respect following the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Zinchenko, who was born in Ukraine, has continued to reflect on the devastating war since it began last February.
And he still regularly takes to social media to campaign for peace in his homeland.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to support the defender since he arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City last summer.
And as a mark of love and respect he, along with club captain Martin Odegaard, insisted that the Ukrainian wears the captain’s armband for the first time against Leicester.
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Aside from the switch in captaincy, Arteta made one change to the team that defeated Aston Villa 4-2 last weekend.
Eddie Nketiah, who has started every game for the Gunners since the World Cup concluded, was replaced by Leandro Trossard with Gabriel Martinelli moving out onto the left.
Jorginho kept his spot in the starting line-up, with Thomas Partey returning to the bench.
Arsenal will move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table if they claim a win against Leicester.
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The Foxes earned a 4-1 win over the Gunners’ bitter rivals Tottenham two weeks ago.
But this time they will be without star man James Maddison, who remains absent with an injury.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
