Why was Oleksandr Zinchenko captain of Arsenal instead of Martin Odegaard in win over Leicester?

On Saturday, Arsenalbeat Leicester by a score of 1-0, keeping their advantage at the top of the Premier Leaguestandings at twopoints. As a result, Manchester City were under intense pressure heading into the evening clash withBournemouth, in whichthey eventually triumphed 4-1.

Mikel Arteta was sure relieved to get three points despite his team’s less-than-stellar performance, as it haskept them atop the league table for another matchday.26 minutes in, the Gunners believed they had taken the lead when Leandro Trossard curled the ball into the top corner, but video review ruled it out.

But, the Emirates outfit eased the pain by scoring early in the second half thanks to a goal from Gabriel Martinelli, as his sidewent on to win consecutive games for the first time in more than a month. What is intriguing is that Oleksandr Zinchenko, who switched Man City for Arsenal last summer, wore the captain’s armband for the whole encounter in the King Power Stadium away game.

Why didOleksandr Zinchenko captainArsenal against Leicester?

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s Arsenal captain armband. (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Before the game, Arsenal announced that Oleksandr Zinchenko will be the club’s captain insteadof Martin Odegaard at the King Power Stadium. “Alex Zinchenko is our captain today, as a mark of respect and love on the first anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine”, the statement read.

The 26-year-old left-backhas been a prominent critic of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which wascommemorated on Saturday. His current side had chosen to honor their summer arrival and the hardship of his native country as a show of unity.

In the aftermath of the triumph, Spanish boss Mikel Arteta provided an explanation for the decision:“We wanted to win for him, for his family and loved ones and all the people in Ukraine who have inspired the world with this fighting spirit they have shown for over a year now.”