Zinchenko speaks out on his goal against Bayer Leverkusen and new jersey number

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s stunning goal in Arsenal’s 4-1 friendly victory over Bayer Leverkusen was more than just a highlight reel moment. It was a sign of the Ukrainian left-back’s renewed confidence after a challenging season.

Zinchenko, who scored the second goal in Arsenal’s dominant performance, was visibly thrilled with his contribution. When asked if the number 17 – his shirt number – would be a lucky charm for him, he responded with a smile: “Fingers crossed; I really hope so! To be honest, this number is a special one for me. While I was growing up, I always used to wear it. Fingers crossed, let’s see.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: Oleksandr Zinchenko celebrates scoring the 1st Arsenal goal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium on August 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The goal was a testament to his determination to regain his best form. “I’m happy with my goal, but obviously to win every single game is the most important thing,” Zinchenko stated. “Individually as well, I’m just trying to do my job the best way I can. It’s been a really tough season for me, so I’ll try to do my best to bring back this confidence personally and also the love from the fans.”

The victory was a resounding one, with Arsenal showcasing their attacking prowess in a dominant display. Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz also found the back of the net, while David Raya, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice all enjoyed their first minutes of pre-season.

“It was an amazing result. There are still a lot of things to improve, both individually and collectively but it was an amazing performance,” Zinchenko added.

The win over Leverkusen serves as a positive indicator for Arsenal as they gear up for the upcoming Premier League season. The team’s attacking fluidity and the return to form of key players like Zinchenko augur well for their title aspirations. With the return of key players and the injection of new talent, the Gunners are looking to make a strong statement in the upcoming campaign.