Consistency has been the crucial theme throughout Arsenal’s season so far and Mikel Arteta has not been afraid to use the same line-up for much of the campaign. It is therefore unsurprising to see the familiar faces return after the international break for the clash with Crystal Palace but the big miss is Kieran Tierney.
Selhurst Park has not been a positive environment for this Arsenal team of late however the end of last season offered up a break from the disappointing travels to South London. Nicolas Pepe got two goals and Gabriel Martinelli reminded the Arsenal faithful of his goalscoring abilities that would precede what has been a brilliant season from the Brazilian international. However, he can only make the bench with Emile Smith Rowe coming in.
The question marks for the line-up were surrounding Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka. The former pair have both suffered with injuries keeping them out for a number of weeks, the Japanese international in particular has experienced a prolonged period on the sidelines.
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However, Ramsdale has returned to the team but Tomiyasu fails to make it. The main worry, however, is with Tierney who has failed to make the team. The Arsenal fan base have reacted with serious concern.
@panonpoee: hope nothing serious on KT’s knee pls!!
@Santi_Classorla: Hope Tierney’s injury isn’t long term.
@SakaYPOTY: I’m so tired off this guy man always injured
@MonstyTorion: I’m a bit worried with Tierney not playing ..Hope Tavares delivers ... C’mon Gunners we need this 3 points tonight
@_AfcHenry: This is why Tierney shouldn't be captain of Arsenal football club.
Tierney will be a loss but Tavares featured with some brilliant performances against Leicester City, Watford and Aston Villa earlier in the season. However, he was subbed off in the first half against Nottingham Forest after what was an awful display. Arteta will hope it is the latter that turns up.
Arsenal confirmed that Tierney's injury was related to his knee. The extent of which is not yet known but losing the Scot in the final run-in for the season is a thought not worth considering with the focus now back on tonight's clash.
A win would take Arsenal within three points of Chelsea in third place but the Gunners need to join focus on one thing and that is victory. Taking the season game by game has elevated the club into a position to seek the European elite. Let’s keep those fingers crossed, come on you Gooners!
