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.
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Tomiyasu’s injury has frustrated fans because of Mikel Arteta’s description of his recovery. His answers have continued to tease fans of his imminent return only to then find out he will return to full training after the Southampton game next Saturday with no guarantee he will make the Chelsea clash.
“I think it will be close. He’s been training more and more. He has the boys back now, so he will be joining some sessions this week, and let’s see how it is,” said Arteta ahead of the match with Crystal Palace. It is these types of comments which have frustrated supporters.
However, the 23-year-old was spotted at the game on Saturday. Fans took to social media to proclaim that they had witnessed his presence through the television cameras. Some couldn’t believe their eyes.
@kena_bula: You won’t realize how good you had it until it’s gone
@afcdbola: He’s alive
@AFC_Oma: I need him bruh
@iamnotchr1s: that’s a hologram
@cameradale: he exists
@AFCLencho: Nah I refuse to believe this
Comedy aside, Arsenal desperately need Tomiyasu to return. With Tierney out for the season, having both backup full-backs out is damaging the side’s attacking and defensive potential. Arteta will be preparing for it but an exact date remains unknown.
With that in mind, it is on Arteta to workaround solutions. What was offered against both Palace and Brighton clearly was not effective enough and contributed to effectively handing the top-four incentive to Tottenham and Antonio Conte.
There are options. The Spaniard could switch to a back three with Rob Holding very capable of playing in the more defensive system as shown by his contributions at Anfield and Molineux.
Ben White has shown to be able to operate at right-back, Holding again could come into the back two with Tavares allowed extra licence knowing he has the England international playing the disciplined full-back role. Arteta needs to find some way of making his side competitive again.
However, even if Tomiyasu returns, goals are not the Japanese international’s speciality. And no matter how you dress up the club’s injury issues, the goalscoring abilities of Alexandre Lacazette, and the rest of the team, are a glaring problem.
