Mikel Arteta should ditch Oleksandr Zinchenko for Kieran Tierney in Arsenal’s title showdown against Manchester City.
The Gunners saw their lead at the top of the English Premier League cut this weekend after they let a two-goal lead slip for the second week in succession. Last week it was against Liverpool, while West Ham fought back to give City more hope of reeling in the leaders at the summit in the Sunday afternoon kick-off. Arteta’s men lead former mentor Pep Guardiola’s team by four points, although the Manchester outfit have a game in hand. Arsenal play Southampton next Friday night and could go seven points clear.
However, after that is what could be a decisive trip to the Emirates, which will either make or break their championship chances. Scotland star Tierney found himself back in the team ahead of Zinchenko, and former Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes Arteta should stick with the Scot against the Ukrainian’s former club, as he’s a better defender.
“I’m delighted Tierney is back in the team, he’s a great player,” Lennon told the BBC. “He’s had his injury problems over the years but when he’s fit and strong, he’s magnificent. I think he will play more in the run-in because he’s a better defender than Zinchenko. Defensively, he will give Arsenal far more security.
“Zinchenko is very good going forward, manipulating the ball in tight areas when he goes into that inverted full-back position whereas Kieran wouldn’t have as soft feet as Zinchenko but he’s a better defender. I definitely think he will play at the Etihad against Manchester City as well.”
