In truth, Arsenal’s second leg tie against PSV Eindhoven felt like something of an exhibition match at the Emirates Stadium, a pre-season friendly almost.
After winning 7-1 in the Netherlands, Arsenal deservedly took their foot off the gas against PSV, explaining why the game on the night ultimately finished in a 2-2 draw.
Mikel Arteta made several changes for the match, and even he didn’t seem too frustrated that Arsenal let their lead slip twice.
It was a night about celebrating a few of Arsenal’s fringe players, those who play an important role behind the scenes but aren’t often seen on the pitch.
And both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling will have enjoyed their chance to show their worth from the start in the Champions League – two excellent performers.
Mikel Arteta hasn’t been getting the best out of Oleksandr Zinchenko
That being said, it was evident from inside the Emirates on Wednesday evening that there’s still a lot of support for Zinchenko in particular, even if he might be destined to leave the club in the summer.
Borussia Dortmund wanted Zinchenko in January, and it seems as if the former Manchester City player will start a new chapter in a few month’s time.
Of course, Zinchenko played in a different position against his old club PSV – the Ukrainian was returned to a midfield role that he often played before coming to England.
In fact, Zinchenko is still predominantly used as a midfielder for his country, a role that better suits his skill-set.
And when watching Zinchenko thrive as an advanced midfielder at the Emirates, it was hard not to conclude that Arteta has been playing him out of position over the years.
Pep Guardiola also liked Zinchenko as an inverted full-back – his quality on the ball is unquestionable, but City were ultimately happy to sell for £30m, which should have rang alarm bells.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could have replaced Granit Xhaka
At first, Zinchenko was crucial for Arsenal as an inverted full-back – he was the trailblazer for a new style under Arteta.
But as the seasons went on and Zinchenko kept being exposed defensively, Arteta should have immediately changed his plan.
READ MORE: Zinchenko shares what he told Odegaard and Rice about playing in Arsenal’s midfield against PSV
Had Arsenal being using Zinchenko solely as a midfielder over the last year or so, he might not even be destined to leave the club.
At 28-years-old, Zinchenko has so much experience of winning – just look at his four league titles with City.
And Arsenal will be losing a lot of character and skill should the Ukrainian leave in the summer, a situation that could have turned out differently were he used in midfield.
Arsenal have struggled with their left-sided number eight role ever since Granit Xhaka left, and it now seems a little too late for Zinchenko to have a renaissance in the position.
Zinchenko is ready to leave Arsenal, and it is the right time for all parties to move on.
