Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta said it was his idea to let left-back Kieran Tierney play as a left-back, playing on his strengths on the wing instead of inverting full-back as is the norm today. It was a pity he did not last the match against Crystal Palace 3-2 yesterday.
Tierney made his first appearance for the Gunners in the 2024-25 Carabao Cup quarter-finals. He is lined up as a left-back, but when he actually plays, he is almost a left-winger. He almost assisted Raheem Sterling, but the Englishman could not finish.
It’s a pity that he was substitute after almost 70 minutes on the pitch because of his physical condition, but at least it’s information for Arteta to use.
“He was taken off with cramp,” Arteta told Arsenal TV.
“That guy was use as a strong winger. That’s something we have to learn more about because it gives us a lot of important information.”
“Sometimes words are not enough compared to seeing with your own eyes. This time, I have evidence to make myself feel better, to find a better point for him.”
The idea of Tierney playing on the left wing would also intensify competition for a forward spot, with Gabriel Jesus also on the cards, who recently scored a hat-trick. Arteta sees it as a positive headache.
“A headache in organizing the team? Let’s wait and see. Tonight, let’s enjoy the result first and then think,” the Spanish coach added.
“It’s good that we have players knocking on the door, asking for opportunities, shouting to the team, ‘I deserve to be in the same position as you.’ I see ยูฟ่าเบท it as a positive problem.”
The last time Tierney played the full 90 minutes for the Gunners was in the league on May 14 , 2023, when they lost 0-3 to Brighton .