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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Neil Lennon backs Kieran Tierney to star in Arsenal title run-in

Mikel Arteta should favour Kieran Tierney over Oleksandr Zinchenko during Arsenal's title run-in with Manchester City.

That's the view of former Celtic boss Neil Lennon.

KT's ex-gaffer believes the Scot has shown he's "better" than the Ukraine captain.

Tierney was handed a rare start for the Gunners yesterday as the Premier League leaders surrendered a two-goal lead against West Ham. 

The match ended a draw, as Arsenal missed the opportunity to maintain their sizable advantage over City.

Pep Guardiola's men are now just four points behind, with the current champions also boasting a game in hand.

The sides meet at the Etihad for what will almost certainly be the league decider a week on Wednesday.

And Lennon insists Tierney should be Arteta's go-to at left-back between now and the end of the season.

He told BBC 5 Live: “I’m delighted Tierney is back in the team, he’s a great player. 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.”

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