Arsenal: 4 players who need to improve this season

2. Kieran Tierney

Football fans have short memories and as soon as the flavour of the month comes around, whether it’s Houssem Aouar or a player making an impact early on in his career, what or who came before them is easily forgotten.

Nuno Tavares’ first outings for Arsenal in the Premier League brought upon that very response. Out of nowhere he was the best thing since sliced bread and Kieran Tierney was a bench warmer. It was a load of nonsense.

However, one performance became two, which then became three, and rewarding players on their form is what meritocracy is all about. It’s hard not to make some argument for Nuno to be keeping his place in the Arsenal team even if one still believes it’s Tierney’s spot when he’s fit.

The Scot has ground to make up in that regard, of that there is no doubt.

This season he’s struggled playing as advanced as he has which has impacted his influence in matches. Where he receives the ball might sound frivolous, but it’s played a big role in his form. Most of his passes are backwards, there isn’t those exciting bursts beyond his man and his distribution, both short and from crosses, is lacking its usual punch.

A combination of Arsenal, and Tierney, not fully finding their groove as well as the systematic issues that followed have all played their part in his dip in form. More is needed from the 24-year-old and nobody will know that more than the man himself.

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