Paul Scholes launches x-rated attack on Oleksandr Zinchenko for 'insult' during Arsenal win against Forest

Paul Scholes took to social media to attack Oleksandr Zinchenko after what the Arsenal player did on Tuesday evening.

Arsenal left the City Ground with a 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, after second half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka put the Gunners in control.

As usual, Oleksandr Zinchenko started started at left-back for Arsenal. The Ukrainian plays the same 'inverted full-back' role for Mikel Arteta's side that he did under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, pushing up into midfield when his side have possession.

Full-backs moving into the middle of the pitch to help create numerical superiority and control is a tactic adopted by many teams over the last few years, but it's fair to say that Paul Scholes is not a fan.

The former Manchester United star is widely considered to be one of the Premier League's greatest ever midfielders, making 499 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

He is understandably proud of his craft, so much so that he takes offence when someone who isn't a central midfielder by trade pops up in the middle of the pitch.

During Arsenal's win against Forest, Scholes directed an x-rated message towards Zinchenko on his Instagram Story.

It read: "A full-back coming into central midfield is an insult to a central midfield player... I think he/she should be told to get the f*** back out there.... night."

It was an odd stand for Scholes - a regular pundit on TNT Sports - to take, considering that inverted full-backs have been a common sight in the Premier League since the 2018/19 season.

😳 Paul Scholes watching Oleksandr Zinchenko tonight...#NFOARS | #AFC pic.twitter.com/cZ1DL1n0no

— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) January 30, 2024

The 49-year-old also seemingly unaware that Zinchenko started his career as a central midfielder, before Guardiola converted him into a left-back at the Etihad Stadium.

Zinchenko impressed against Forest, although his defensive weaknesses came back to bite his side late in the match.

The 27-year-old didn't get the memo when the Arsenal back line attempted to catch Gonzalo Montiel offside. The Argentine international took full advantage, crossing the ball into the box for Taiwo Awoniyi to pull a goal back.

Arsenal right-back Ben White made his frustration with Zinchenko clear, and the pair had to be separated at the full-time whistle.