Arsenal’s starting XI under Mikel Arteta has been relatively constant when everyone was fit, but a knock to Oleksandr Zinchenko meant Kieran Tierney had a chance to show he belonged in the set-up amid talk of a summer exit.
The Scottish international has been a key figure for much of Arteta’s tenure, and his absence at the end of the 2021-22 season was one of the factors behind the North London side missing out on a top-four finish. Zinchenko has taken things to a new level, though - both on the pitch and in the dressing room - leaving Tierney with limited options.
The ex-Celtic defender started all six of Arsenal ’s Europa League group games, but has been a far less constant presence in the league. His last start came in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day against the Hammers, but Zinchenko’s absence against West Ham at the London Stadium offered a chance - and a test.
