Page 2 - Arsenal 4-0 Standard Liege: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#4 Kieran Tierney is definitely an upgrade on Sead Kolasinac

Kieran Tierney (L) looks an upgrade on Arsenal's current options

A few months ago, Arsenal, in their search for a reliable full-back, enquired about Kieran Tierney’s availability. The Scottish international represented an instant fix to the Gunners’ left-back woes and seemed an ideal replacement for Nacho Monreal.

However, a deal failed to come to fruition until deadline day, meaning that countless Gooners waited with bated breath. Yet, once they had their man, relief engulfed the Emirates. After all, they had purchased a top-class full-back and one capable of donning the famous Red and White for years to come.

And, Tierney has just stoked that fire of optimism with his early performances for the North Londoners.

Against Standard Liege, the full-back was a picture of calmness and composure. He looked extremely accomplished on the ball and was immensely tidy with his passing.

The most encouraging aspect of his play though, was his ability to provide an end product, an element that has been sorely lacking from Sead Kolasinac’s displays.

The former Celtic defender curled a wonderful cross for Martinelli to open the scoring whereas he created several other opportunities for his teammates too.

Apart from the aforementioned aspect, Tierney was much more judicious in his forays forward, thereby ensuring that the Gunners were never caught out on the break.

Thus, early signs certainly point towards the new signing being a massive upgrade on Kolasinac, who, for all his commitment, just lacks a bit of guile in the final third.

And, though Arsenal fans have waited quite anxiously for Tierney to turn out for them, that delay could well be worth it.