The left-back situation at Arsenal remains an area of contention for Mikel Arteta after the season-ending injury to Kieran Tierney. Having been unimpressed with Nuno Tavares’ contribution to the side in the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, the Spaniard opted instead for Granit Xhaka.
However, the makeshift full-back was caught out of position for Brighton’s opening goal as Arsenal went on to lose 2-1 to the Seagulls. The decision was heavily criticised for two reasons. Firstly, knocking the confidence of Arsenal’s only senior backup left-back, Tavares, and weakening the midfield exposing Albert Sambi Lokonga in a single pivot role.
It seems clear though that Tavares is simply not in Arteta’s good books. Despite being one of the Spaniard’s six signings from the summer, he has not been afraid to hook off the Portuguese full-back early in games.
