Today’s defeat against Aston Villa proved that Arsenal definitely need to dip back into the transfer window for one signing this summer.
Mikel Arteta must be so frustrated with today’s second half performance, which was the polar opposite to the first.
Arsenal started the game with so much control and enthusiasm, looking determined to make the most of Liverpool’s slip up earlier in the day.
Martin Odegaard was leading the charge forwards, delivering so many beautifully crafted passes to his teammates.
However, Gabriel Jesus failed to take any of his opportunities, or produce any moments akin to his assist for Leandro Trossard against Bayern Munich last week.
Arsenal didn’t really create any chances you thought they had to score, unless you count Jesus’ header at the far post early on.
And although there were a few below-par performances in an Arsenal shirt against Aston Villa today, Oleksandr Zinchenko still really stood out again in different moments.
The full-back, who was reinstated in place of Jakub Kiwior, made some really rash decisions, and looked off the pace at times.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s Villa display proved that Arsenal need a new signing this summer
Today Zinchenko was preferred on the basis of his excellent work in possession, a player who is so graceful on the ball.
But as is often the case, the £30m-defender was found wanting in his decision making at the back.
Some fans who were at the Emirates may still be wondering just what the Ukrainian was attempting to do when he presented Youri Tielemans with the chance to hit both the bar and post.
Zinchenko is by no means a poor player, he’s brilliant on the ball, but this Arsenal project is moving beyond him.
It may seem strong to suggest so after just one performance, but this is a theme that has become apparent since the end of last season.
Arsenal need a full-back on the left who can do everything, just like Ben White on the right.
It definitely won’t be easy to find that profile, but it’s surely not impossible.
Is Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde the perfect answer for Arsenal?
Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde looks an excellent candidate, a young talent who could be worth the hefty price tag he would demand.
Jakub Kiwior has done a fine job since the turn of the year, but it’s similarly hard to believe he will be Arsenal’s starting left-back in the longer term at the Emirates.
It’s a puzzle for Mikel Arteta to solve.
And whilst he can definitely still win the Premier League and the Champions League with the squad he has available now, a new signing would certainly make next season a lot easier.
All that being said, Ben White did recently admit that he didn’t want to go near one Arsenal player in training.