Arsenal: Whatever it takes, start Stephan Lichtsteiner

Arsenal had to pull out the emergency leftback in Stephan Lichtsteiner, but it went so well that there has to be a way to start him regularly.

Arsenal suffered a disappointing loss to powerhouse Manchester City, not even finding the gumption to cobble together a single goal, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t positives in the loss.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles getting injured was not a positive, because he had been one of the few good performers, but his replacement, Stephan Lichtsteiner, was one of the positives.

The Swiss international captain came on in the 33rd minute when Maitland-Niles was unable to continue and from the moment he got onto the pitch, things were different. Lichtsteiner was his usual self, which is exactly the kind of person that Gooners will be giddy to see on the pitch.

He was scuffling with everyone. Whoever had the misfortune of getting too close to Lichtsteiner often felt an elbow to the back, a word in the ear, or something similar. Riyad Mahrez in particular felt the brunt, as he got pushed every time he veered into Lichtsteiner’s domain, even without the ball.

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But it wasn’t just his mean mentality that made Lichtsteiner stand out. For being 34-years-old and an assumed “locker room presence” first, Lichtsteiner was a fantastic performer on the pitch. He didn’t look at all lacking for athleticism, his creativity was there on the attack, as was his sturdiness on the defense.

It was assumed that Lichtsteiner’s primary role was going to be as a mentor for Hector Bellerin, but after seeing how he stood up to big, bad Manchester City, I’m more inclined to see him starting consistently than relegated to the bench.

He shut up shop on that left hand side and showed that he may be one of those rare talents that doesn’t feel the sting of old age. There is always going to be wear and tear, but if Lichtsteiner can retain this level of quality throughout the year, then get the man out there.

Obviously he can’t start over Bellerin, because whoever would? Plus Bellerin was actually a relatively solid performer. But if he can play leftback that well against Manchester City, than Lichtsteiner should be given dibs at it. Play your best players where they make their biggest impact.

He may prefer to be on the other side, but his competency is clearly well-traveled. I don’t care how it happens, just start the man every chance you get.