Paul Scholes took to social media to attack Oleksandr Zinchenko in an X-rated rant during Arsenal's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
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Scholes fumes as Zinchenko enters midfieldArsenal's tactics require Ukrainian to go forwardScholes fumes 'Get the f*ck back out there!'Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Zinchenko began the game for Arsenal at left-back as usual. For Mikel Arteta's side, the Ukrainian plays the same "inverted full-back" role he did for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, pressing up into midfield when his team has the ball. Over the past several years, many teams have embraced full-backs going into the middle of the pitch to generate numerical dominance and control. However, it's safe to assume that Manchester United legend Scholes is not a fan of this approach.
AdvertisementWHAT SCHOLES SAID
As per , Scholes posted an Instagram story with the caption: "A full-back coming into central midfield is an insult to a central midfield player… I think he should be told to get the f*ck back out there…. night."
He then received a reply from his former United team-mate Phil Neville, who said: "Us full-backs can play anywhere pal."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Zinchenko produced an outstanding performance against Forest, but late in the game, his defensive flaws cost him and his team. He tried to catch Forest star Gonzalo Montiel offside, but the World Cup winner managed to stay on and win the aerial battle against the Ukrainian.
Taking full advantage of the situation, the Argentine crossed the ball into the area, where Taiwo Awoniyi was able to score. Arsenal right-back Ben White expressed his annoyance with Zinchenko, and at the end of the game, the two had to be split up by team-mates.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The Arsenal full-back will likely be in action yet again in the next game for Arteta's side despite his mistake as he has been a key member of the squad as they continue to try and remain in the title battle. They play against Liverpool next up and a win could see them leapfrog Jurgen Klopp's team into first place in the Premier League table, depending on other results.