Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United saw Arsenal go eight points clear atop of the Premier League, but the Gunners’ successful campaign will hurt even more with Oleksandr Zinchenko impressing.
Pep Guardiola surprisingly sold the 26-year-old over the summer and has largely overlooked his replacement (Sergio Gomez) this season, so he must have some regret over the decision.
Zinchenko has made 14 appearances in all competitions and is nearly outperforming all of City’s fullbacks, so it hasn’t looked a smart move letting him go.
The Ukrainian international has averaged 1.7 tackles per game, putting him joint-second in the City squad with Joao Cancelo. He’s averaged 0.6 interceptions per game, putting him fourth in the City squad with Nathan Ake.
Zinchenko has averaged 1.2 clearances per game, putting him fourth in the City squad ahead of Rodri (1.1). He’s averaged more chances (0.5) per game than Kyle Walker (0.4), Rico Lewis (0.3) and Gomez (0.4).
The 26-year-old has also averaged 0.4 accurate crosses per game, putting him above Lewis (0.2) and Walker (0) while being level with Gomez (0.4). City need a natural left-back as Gomez hardly features in the Premier League, so it looks even more foolish letting Zinchenko leave.
In other news, Pep Guardiola should be worried about big Man City problem
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