The loss of Takehiro Tomiyasu in the Arsenal side did not initially look to be a huge blow. The deputising Cedric Soares has performed well, however, the injury to Kieran Tierney has disrupted everything.
Tierney was tasked by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to play a more reserved defensive role with Tomiyasu out, who typically operated in this way himself. This allowed Cedric to become the more forward-thinking full-back.
However, with Tierney out, the defence has looked far more vulnerable. Both Nuno Tavares and Granit Xhaka who have played in the Scotsman’s stead have been exposed and goals conceded because of their positional errors.
