Craig Burley has claimed that it will be a ‘huge problem’ for Arsenal if Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are unable to feature in the north London derby against Tottenham, as he told ESPN.
The former Scotland international was talking about the importance the fullback duo have on Arsenal’s play and how their possible absence could ‘tip the scales’ in Tottenham’s favour.
Tierney went off with what looked like a head injury whilst on international duty with Scotland, but rumours suggest that he returned to London Colney straightaway in a possible boost for Mikel Arteta.
As for Zinchenko, whilst he started the season, after his summer transfer from Manchester City, he was injured prior to the international break.
Tottenham can seriously cook when they go forward, so how Arsenal cope with their wide players and defend with the ball is going to be very crucial.
All of that brings their fullbacks into the equation, as Burley shared that if any one of the two are fine, then he does fancy Arsenal to secure the bragging rights.
“I think if Zinchenko and Tierney are out, then that’s a huge problem,” said Burley. “I mean that could tip the scale. I shouldn’t be saying that about fullbacks.
“But they have been so strong in the fullback position, especially the left side, but I just fancy Arsenal a little bit if everybody is fit because of the way they have played and moved the ball – I really like what I have seen from Arsenal so far.”
OUTSTANDING START FROM ZINCHENKO
There were a lot of plaudits when Arsenal signed Zinchenko because many felt they brought in a player of serious, serious quality and someone who can operate in many positions.
Ironically enough, when Zinchenko started Arsenal’s opening day win at Crystal Palace, it was because Tierney was injured.
And whilst the Scotsman returned to earn some valuable minutes, his new partner in crime has been outstanding since moving to the capital.
It’s still very much early days, but one thing is for sure, he is an upgrade on the man they loaned out to Marseille – Nuno Tavares.
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