Arsenal came out eventual 0-3 winners against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, with a valiant effort from the League One side.
- A question mark on the quality of Arsenal’s depth:
It took until the 63rd minute for a second string Arsenal side to break the deadlock last night.
Mikel Arteta also had made two substitutions before his side went 1-0 up, bringing on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Granit Xhaka for Kieran Tierney and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
The first half saw only two shots on goal for both sides, none managing to be on target, and in the whole match Arsenal only managed one shot on target more than Oxford.
2. It might be the start of the end to Kieran Tierney’s time at Arsenal:
As previously mentioned, Tierney was subbed off when the score was still 0-0.
He’s featured a lot recently, as Zinchenko has been struggling with injuries throughout the season.
Arsenal fan Niall McGirr says that he has been a good asset for Arsenal:
“I think he has always been a quality player for us since he signed in 2019”
“He’s had several injury issues which have stunted him and his inclusion in the team”
“He was a big reason I felt we didn’t secure top 4 last season, as he was out injured near the end of the season and missed some big games”
Niall does believe now however the Scotsman may not be required at Arsenal anymore:
“Ultimately Zinchenko is just exactly what Arteta wants in a full back”
“He’s much better on the ball, can operate in midfield when we’re in possession”
Embed“I think right now he [Tierney] is the level we need as a second string left back who can come in and do a job”
“But he isn’t an Arteta signing, he’s very dependant on his left foot, which means his passing ability is limited in certain scenarios which Zinchenko thrives in.”
“As far as team improvements go, a back-up to Zinchenko is not a priority right now.”
3. Oxford should not could themselves out of the play-off race yet:
The U’s currently sit 11 points off the play-offs, with a game in hand on a handful of sides above them.
They recently went eight games without losing in the league, and their 0-1 loss to Exeter on New Year’s Day saw them take 20 shots to Exeter’s nine, and see 65% of the ball too, just over a month after beating the Grecians 4-1 in the FA Cup second round.
They’ve seen a considerable improvement in form from the start of the season, and sit ninth in the standings in League One’s last 10 games.
Managing such a solid performance, despite the scoreline, against a second-string, but considerably stronger than themselves side as Arsenal, is only going to kick more confidence into the side, and also emphasizes the quality Oxford possess.
They have consistenly challenged for play-offs in League One throughout recent years, and acquisitions like Josh Murphy with Championship experience to go alongside a good squad in League One, Oxford fans should be looking up this season.