Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: Grading the 2019 summer signings

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring the fifth goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring the fifth goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Kieran Tierney
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Referee Mike Dean helps Kieran Tierney of Arsenal leave the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on December 09, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Kieran Tierney – A-

Kieran Tierney has endured a difficult first season in north London. The Scottish defender arrived with a sports hernia and was set to miss the first two months of the campaign. He then made a tentative return, and just as he started to force his way into the Premier League starting XI, he dislocated his shoulder and missed the remainder of the season.

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All in all, Tierney has played only 806 minutes this season. 63 of those came in a Premier League II game. Another 360 came in the Europa League group stage. In fact, he played fewer than 300 league minutes and made just four starts, the last of which was cut short after 29 minutes when he dislocated his shoulder.

And yet, despite the limited playing, Tierney illustrated why Arsenal spent £25 million on him — and why there is plenty of reason to be positive about the future. The left-back showcased terrific crossing ability, he was an offensive weapon, he is quick enough, and allies all of this with a work ethic and stamina that allows him to relentlessly bomb up and down the left flank.

Despite his limited minutes, Tierney has two assists on the season. He also has created chances from open play at a faster rate than any other player in the squad, creating one every 62 minutes. Given the injury problems, it is difficult to grade this transfer too highly, but that is hardly Tierney’s fault and his limited performances prove that he is more than solid left-back.

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