14 January 2023 , 02:00
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Oleksandr Zinchenko was sent a warning by the Football Association for invading the pitch to celebrate a late Arsenal winner just over a month after he joined the club.
Zinchenko signed for the Gunners in a £32million transfer from Manchester City on July 22. He followed Gabriel Jesus in making the switch from City to north London and set about making an immediate impact.
The Ukraine international helped Arsenal start the season with three straight wins in the Premier League as he played against Crystal Palace, Leicester and Bournemouth. However, he was forced to sit out of their next match, against Fulham at Emirates Stadium on August 27.
Nevertheless, Arsenal’s new recruit still managed to land himself in hot water with the FA due to his over-exuberant celebrations. The Gunners were given a tough match by Fulham, who took the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic before Martin Odegaard found an equaliser.
It took an 86th-minute goal from centre-back Gabriel to get the Gunners over the line in a dramatic finish. Zinchenko was sitting in the stands at Arsenal’s home ground, but that didn’t stop him from charging down the touchline to celebrate with his team-mates. He jumped onto the backs of the players, roared at the crowd and pumped his fists, all while dressed casually in a black jumper, shorts and trainers.
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The Daily Telegraph reports that his reaction did not go down well with the FA, who swiftly sent him a letter to warn him over his conduct. Zinchenko reportedly replied to apologise and say it won’t happen again – and he has stuck to his word so far.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was warned after joining the celebrations (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! What have you made of Oleksandr Zinchenko's impact at Arsenal this season? Comment below.
Although he has been hampered by injuries, the 26-year-old has proven a useful addition to Mikel Arteta’s side. Despite being a new arrival, the left-back has become a vocal member of the dressing room and is desperate to add to the four Premier League titles he won at City.
Zinchenko worked with Arteta during his time at the Etihad Stadium, where the Spaniard was on Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff. The player has not been surprised by how Arteta has taken to life in the hot seat, insisting his talent was clear to see.
“When I arrived at Man City, he was ready to be the head coach since day one,” Zinchenko told Sky Sports of Arteta in December. “Every single bit of his advice was so important - it was exactly what the player wants to hear, especially for the young players.
“After every single session, he used to work a lot with the young players and the exercises, talks and advice were so, so important. That’s the amazing quality he has.
“You can be a top [former] footballer, but you may not know what you should say or when you should say it. He’s got this quality. I’ve been surprised since I came to Arsenal. He’s obviously improved since I saw him the last time at City, he’s amazing.”