Arsenal: 5 disappointments of the season so far

2. Kieran Tierney Playing Below His High Standards

Something isn’t quite right with Kieran Tierney.

His performances this season, it must be said, have been disappointing. Setting such high standards for himself last season, the drop off this term has been, well, surprising more than anything.

Usually accurate and deadly deliveries are either failing to beat the first man or ending up beyond the right-winger, while his movements in one-on-one situations are predictable.

In the opening day stinker away at Brentford he was one of the few players on the pitch worthy of any praise. Since then it’s been well below average.

Looking for explanations as to why, one could probably point to a combination of a systematic impact and a simple lack of form. The back three build-up method is set in stone and sees him occupy an even higher starting position than usual, one that gives him less freedom to charge beyond his marker and run at the opposition as opposed to receiving in tighter areas.

Maybe, too, having the less experienced Albert Sambi Lokonga on the left side of midfield instead of Granit Xhaka to find him in space is having an impact? It’s tough to tell, but nobody will know better than Tierney that he has been underpar.

He still starts every week and remains a brilliant footballer. He just needs to recapture his form, find more comfort positionally and grow a better understanding with Sambi.

There are no fears over the Scot. It’s surely just a blip.

Continued…