"My teammates are going to kill me!" - Zinchenko pokes fun at Arsenal squad

Oleksandr Zinchenko joked his Arsenal teammates will "kill" him after he claimed his second consecutive Player of the Month award.

The Ukrainian has been a central figure for the Gunners since signing in the summer from Manchester City for £30million.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta’s side have been the surprise package of the season. They are currently at the Premier League summit, spurred on by a youthful and expressive contingent of their squad.

Indeed, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba have all starred for the Gunners this term. Meanwhile, Zinchenko has not only added quality to the Arsenal ranks but also title-winning experience.

The full-back won the Premier League four times while at City, and as we approach the final stretch of the season, he has become one of Arsenal’s most prominent figures on and off the pitch.

Zinchenko pokes fun at Arsenal squad

Upon winning his second Player of the Month award in succession Zinchenko joked that his Arsenal teammates will “kill him” for it.

Speaking to the club website, the 26-year-old said: "Hi guys, hope you're well, thank you for voting me as Player of the Month again.

"I know that my teammates are going to kill me because they think the people that are voting for me do not understand football. But forget about them!

"Let's push together until the very, very end. Come on, Gunners!"

Zinchenko’s performances this season will have come as no surprise to Arteta. The Spaniard coached the left-back while both were at City, and he was quick to notice the the Ukraine international's influence upon his arrival at Arsenal.

Speaking just weeks after Zinchenko signed for Arsenal, Arteta said: "First of all, his mentality. He’s used to winning - winning is the only thing and winning in the right way.

"He’s a perfectionist and a really demanding boy, I know him so well, and after that, he brings qualities that we didn’t have in the squad.

"He gives us a different option to play within the role in different spaces, and I’m really happy to have him."

Topics: Football, Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Manchester City

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.