Ramsdale while speaking after Arsenal’s victory over Villa said the Gunners are a completely different side when Oleksandr Zinchenko plays
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale has praised his Ukrainian teammate, Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Gunner’s comeback win on Saturday, saying they are a totally different side when he is on the pitch.
The north London club picked up a crucial win against Aston Villa in a keenly contested and highly entertaining game at Villa Park after falling behind on two occasions.
Ollie Watkins gave the hosts the lead as early as the 5th minute after Zinchenko was robbed of the ball by Matty Cash, who then found him.
Arsenal equalised 11 minutes later through Bukayo Saka who levelled the scores from an exceptional finish inside the box, but Villa went into the break 2-1 after Philippe Coutinho finished another brilliant move.
Mikel Arteta’s men, however, picked up a much-needed win in the second half after a goal from Zinchenko, an own goal from Villa goalkeeper, Martinez and a tap-in from Martinelli gave the visitors a 4-2 win.
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Speaking to Viaplay after the game, Ramsdale said Arsenal are a completely different side when the Ukrainian star plays.
He said: “He brings a completely different dimension to the team, allows us to play the way we want to. Yeah, he’s been there and he’s done it. He’s got four out of five Premier Leagues [titles] so he knows what it takes to win.
“He’s been brilliant, you see the passion he’s got. He’s only been here a couple of months but he’s a huge part of our group.”
Zinchenko completed a switch to Arsenal for £32 million over the summer and he’s been a standout performer for Arteta’s side.
The versatile defender scored his first goal for the Gunners in their latest win over Aston Villa.