#3 Kieran Tierney passes another test with flying colours
Arsenal’s defensive deficiencies have been well-documented over the years, with the Gunners guilty of letting in countless avoidable goals. Thus, in order to strengthen on that front, the North Londoners pulled out all the stops to acquire Kieran Tierney from Celtic. And, though they’ve still shipped in goals consistently, the Scottish international has proven himself to be an astute signing.
Against Wolves, the full-back lined up against the enigmatic Traore, meaning that he had his hands full containing the pacey winger. However, the Scottish international was rarely troubled by the Spaniard as the former’s exemplary positioning completely nullified the latter’s threat.
Though Traore got goal-side a couple of times, Tierney was on hand to recover and put in a last-ditch challenge. Additionally, the defender looked extremely composed on the ball as Arsenal continued playing with fire at the back.
However, the most impressive aspect of his performance was his decision making. The Gunners have often been guilty of being a little too gung-ho with their full-backs, thereby leaving the back door hopelessly exposed.
Yet, Tierney displayed great tactical acumen to judiciously pick and choose his moments to venture forward. The above enabled him to provide an attacking outlet while he also wasn’t caught out defensively.
At the moment, the Gunners have plenty of problems in the defensive third. But, if the Scottish full-back keeps conjuring such performances, one reckons he might not fall into Arsenal’s rather elaborate list of shortcomings.