On Friday, Oleksandr Zinchenko delivered just what Ukraine needed to defeat Slovakia and secure their first three points in Euro 2024.

Ukraine entered the match under a lot of strain after their opening game 3-0 loss to Romania stunned everyone. When Slovakia seized the lead 17 minutes in, things got even worse.

Zinchenko appeared to be caught completely off guard by a cross into the box, and the Arsenal back was not prepared for Ivan Schranz to spring and nod home to give Slovakia the lead.

Ukraine struggled to keep the ball in the first half, but they improved during the game, as evidenced by the second half, when important players like Zinchenko felt rejuvenated.

Zinchenko atoned for his error nine minutes after the resumption of play by neatly crossing the ball for Mykola Shaparenko. The goal by Shaparenko levelled the score and eased the tensions among the Ukrainian supporters.

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Zinchenko was at the top of his game for the remainder of it, contributing at both ends of the play and controlling the ball. Roman Yaremchuk rewarded his efforts with a late goal.

It’s unclear what Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal will be because manager Mikel Arteta is rumoured to be looking for a new left back this summer.

The 27-year-old was Arsenal’s starting left back at the beginning of the season, but he lost his position after suffering an injury in February and was only able to play sparingly as the Gunners challenged for the Premier League championship.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, a right back whose contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in two years, is what Arteta would have preferred to utilise. Zinchenko is also rumoured to be up for sale.