Keown says he was worried about Zinchenko after summer Arsenal move

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Martin Keown has admitted to Match of the Day that he was a little worried about how Oleksandr Zinchenko would fare defensively following his move to Arsenal, but labelled his display against Bournemouth pure class.

The Gunners are absolutely flying at the start of this season. Mikel Arteta’s men top the Premier League table after winning their opening three games.

The progress the side have made has been frightening. And one of the signings who has been in amazing form is Zinchenko.

The Ukrainian has started all three games at left-back. And it is almost as if he has been playing for the Gunners for several years now. The transition has been seamless.

Zinchenko was one of several stars of the show in their emphatic win over Bournemouth on Saturday. And Keown suggested that his performances have alleviated any concerns he had about the 25-year-old when he arrived from Manchester City.

“Zinchenko, absolute class, he really is,” he told Match of the Day. “It’s another level now for these young players to aspire to what he does on that left-hand side of the pitch. I was a bit worried about him when he first came about defensively. He didn’t get much of a pre-season. But looked how assured he is. That is pure class, nothing ruffles him.

“He’s giving Arsenal a level of control. I feel he’s a real game-controller, certainly on that left-hand side.”

Keown was worried about Zinchenko

Like Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko was desperately unlucky not to feature more for Manchester City before his departure.

His quality is certainly shining through now. The pair look absolutely determined to make the most of their opportunities. And, as Keown suggests, they are helping to raise the standards at the Emirates.

Of course, Arsenal are going to face tougher tasks this season. So the side will be wary of getting carried away.

But there is absolutely no question that something exciting could be happening at Arsenal. And Zinchenko has been absolutely crucial to that.