ARSENAL legend Lee Dixon has praised Oleksandr Zinchenko on the ball but claimed the Gunners star is “not a brilliant defender”.
Zinchenko has been superb for Mikel Arteta’s side since arriving from Manchester City last summer.
But Dixon, 59, has criticised the Ukrainian star for his defensive capabilities.
Former left-back Dixon claimed Zinchenko was at fault for Duje Caleta-Car’s goal in Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton on Friday.
He told Premier League Productions: “Look at Zinchenko for Southampton’s third goal.
“He’s got his man, he’s looking at his man, he’s got his arm in the air and then he just goes to sleep.”
Read More on Arsenal
Dixon praised Zinchenko for what he does on the ball, but suggested his game does have weaknesses.
The ex-Arsenal star went on to point out Zinchenko’s role in Liverpool’s equaliser during the recent 2-2 draw at Anfield, where Trent Alexander-Arnold nutmegged him before crossing in for Roberto Firmino to head home.
Dixon continued on Zinchenko: “He’s not a brilliant defender. He’s brilliant on the ball and Arsenal use him to their strengths with the ball.
“But without the ball, we saw him play a role in Liverpool’s equaliser at Anfield and again today.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“He’s got to be alive as a defender, whether you sometimes go into midfield or not. It’s your job to keep the ball out of the back of the net.”
Zinchenko has played 30 times for the Gunners in all competitions this season, scoring once and providing two assists.
But Friday’s draw against the Saints, which was a third in a row for Arteta’s side, was a huge dent to Arsenal’s Premier League title bid.
The Gunners return to action with a mammoth clash against Manchester City on Wednesday, and Dixon now has Pep Guardiola and Co as favourites for the title.
He said: “Man City are obviously favourites now, but Arsenal have still got that game at the Etihad and this team are capable of beating Man City, we know that.
“You would expect City to have a bit too much for them but we’ll see.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
