William Gallas has poured scorn on Oleksandr Zinchenko's defending in a brutal critique.
Faltering Premier League leaders Arsenal dropped points for the third game running with a 3-3 draw against bottom side Southampton on Friday.
Aaron Ramsdale's mistake early on led to Carlos Alcaraz's strike, while Theo Walcott netted after the Gunners were cut apart far too easily before Zinchenko switched off at a set piece to allow Duje Caleta-Car to head in.
Versatile Ukrainian Zinchenko, who can play in midfield but has generally been used at left back this season by the north London side, also came in for criticism after being beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold during a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on April 9.
And former Arsenal defender Gallas pinpointed what he feels is a particular weakness in Zinchenko's game, adding he will find it difficult playing against former club Manchester City in a potentially title-defining clash at the Etihad on Wednesday.
He said: 'The defence was terrible. 'Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus were below par and Thomas Partey wasn't at his best.
'Zinchenko was sleeping for Southampton's third goal. It was not the first time he has been found wanting. Defending is not his strength. One versus one is often a problem.
'Zinchenko is one of Arsenal's most experienced players and, in these types of games, you need that experience — you want to see him managing the game.
'But we haven't seen that. He hasn't performed very well in the last few matches. It will be difficult at City, it'll be emotional.'
Wednesday night's game will be just the second time Zinchenko has returned to his former club since moving to the Emirates last summer for £30million.
Mikel Arteta's side currently lie five points clear of City in the league table, but have played two games more.
So if City triumph against their title rivals, they will move just two points behind with two games in hand.
Pep Guardiola and Co would then be favourites to secure the championship and win their fifth title in six seasons.
Nabcmnprt
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see who is talking re u not the one who cost arsenal most
Harnandez080
1
some of arsenal fans we not agree but is true 💯
HOMEBHOY
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English with their recis when he was doing good every one is talking about him but just to do two mistakes everyone is asking for his head because there's n English guy benching
Boss I am only catching cruise don't take anything serious
sinbcorsy
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He can only attack and cry 😀😀 he doesn't know how to defend ...Tierney is still more balanced than Zinchenko
English with their recis when he was doing good every one is talking about him but just to do two mistakes everyone is asking for his head because there's n English guy benching
sinbcorsy
1
William Gallas was a worse defender i know he must not talk trash about Zin
Habcilprsy
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Tierney is a better choice for the game with City, in fact Zinchenko is a very weak defender his reaction is relatively slow and that is why he is easily beaten
BrittJAM23
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Zinchenko SUCKS. Jesus SUCKS. That’s why Pep got rid of them. Same thing for Sterling. Y’all bought trash and complain that it’s not gold
Gudiest
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The only cup Arsenal will lift this season is the one they use to drink 🍺 water 💦
HOMEBHOY
6
He can only attack and cry 😀😀 he doesn't know how to defend ...Tierney is still more balanced than Zinchenko