Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 things we learned – Dani Ceballos rescues Gunners

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal's players celebrate after Nicolas Pepe scored the opening goal from a penalty during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on June 28, 2020. (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's players celebrate after Nicolas Pepe scored the opening goal from a penalty during the English FA Cup quarter-final football match between Sheffield United and Arsenal at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on June 28, 2020. (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDREW BOYERS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: John Lundstram of Sheffield United wins a header over Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: John Lundstram of Sheffield United wins a header over Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the FA Cup Fifth Quarter Final match between Sheffield United and Arsenal FC at Bramall Lane on June 28, 2020 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Andrew Boyers/Pool via Getty Images) /

2. Tierney impresses again

We had to wait a long time to see Kieran Tierney play in an Arsenal shirt under Mikel Arteta, but now that he is fully fit and entirely assimilated with the set-up at the club, it has been well worth the wait. After an excellent performance against Southampton in a more conservative position, on this occasion, Tierney flourished from an offensive point of view.

Playing at left wing-back in a back five, Tierney was superb. He shuttled the ball forward well, completing 45 passes, he defended stoutly, making one interception, two blocks, and winning one of his two attempted tackles, and he played five crosses, a joint team-leading figure. He also created one chance.

It was Tierney’s composure in possession to keep the ball when put under pressure and his crossing that was most impressive. He allowed Arsenal to play out from the back well and he delivered several delicious balls into the box. His pull-back for Nicolas Pepe was the key pass in Arsenal’s best move of the game and he whipped several others into dangerous areas, though a teammate was unable to get on the other end. Tierney was at his best here, and it was wonderful to see.