Arsenal Quarterly Report Card: Kieran Tierney

Does he get an A for not being Kolasinac?

If the ratings were done as such, yes…yes he would. But Kieran Tierney has done far more at Arsenal to cement his place as a fine left-back amid a tumultuous spell of upheaval, injuries and managerial changes.

In and out of the treatment room and dealing with both on and off-field issues meant it took longer than we’d hoped to see the best of the Scotsman in red and white. After a lengthy and unavoidable bedding in period, he’s a firm fan favourite.

The start of this season hasn’t been perfect, however. Part of a vastly improved defence, there are still some areas of Tierney’s game that have not been as polished as we know they can be. Here’s his quarterly report card.

The Good

He’s not Sead Kolasinac.

A constant source of frustration for Arsenal, now having a dependable, willingly defensive (if he needs to be) left-back scratches one issue off the list. His crossing is still the best as the club, while he’s is backed up by an unrelenting engine and work-rate that was a far cry from his predecessor.

Think Nacho Monreal‘s determination with the defensive discipline of Lauren (if Lauren played on that side).

The Bad

What hasn’t been as composed as it should be is his distribution. There has been a slight drop off in his passing down the line. Not his crossing, mind, which remains stellar.

Indeed, some of the balls to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Bukayo Saka have been over-hit or inaccurate, with the reasons for that not entirely known.

Whether it’s down to early season adjustments, or the shift from centre-back to a more regular full-back, it hasn’t been quite as sharp.

Best Moment – Positional Shift

Yes, this isn’t a moment per se, but it’s noticeable how much more comfortable Tierney looks when he’s playing in a back four – this absolutely not suggesting he’s been poor as a centre-back. Far from it.

When the transition into 4-3-3 emerged most clearly, the positions he picked up felt natural, and the give-and-go’s he loves to play down the left touchline were more forthcoming. Even when the ball is turned over, he’s better placed to burst down that side and provide an overload.

It suits him much better.

Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal Rating

B