How have Arsenal's defenders done this season?
By Matt Wright
In seasons gone by an article assessing Arsenal’s defending would make for tough reading.
In fact, the same applies for the first month of the 2021/22 campaign when the Gunners let in nine goals in their first three games, without reply.
Let’s not lie. A lot of us were expecting a long and painful nine months after such a torrid start, but thankfully it’s been one to finally rekindle optimism among the faithful at the Emirates Stadium.
It’s natural that, with Arsenal now favourites to finish fourth in the Premier League, supporters would focus on the attackers that have made this possible – Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli etc.
However, it’s also been reassuring to know that Mikel Arteta’s men are now less likely to point the barrel at their feet and blow their own toes off at any given second.
That decreased propensity for self-destruction at the back is one of the ways in which the Gunners have improved on the mess that was last season and a look at the backline demonstrates how Arteta has had an effect in this department.
Arsenal currently have seven defenders in their first team squad, with all but two of them – Kieran Tierney and Rob Holding – being brought in by our Spanish manager.
Here’s how they have helped to (largely) end the days of watching us defend through our fingers…
Takehiro Tomiyasu
It is rare for a Japanese footballer to have taken to the Premier League so quickly, but physically, tactically and quality-wise, that is what Tomiyasu has done since his arrival from Bologna at the end of August.
At 23 years old, the right-back position could be his for years to come, although it has been frustrating to see him suffering from calf injuries in recent months, as it has robbed us of his all-action displays.
Ben White
Signing a centre-back from Brighton for £50 million raised eyebrows and they remained elevated out of alarm after White got caught up in that nightmare opening to the campaign.
Thankfully, his teething troubles are largely behind him and a defender who is genuinely capable of playing it out from the back has managed to slot in seamlessly with his superb reading of the game.
Gabriel
Maybe he just needed a year! White’s success with the Gunners is largely down to him forging a successful partnership with Gabriel, who has shown a greater deal of consistency in his second season at the Emirates.
There are still a few rough edges to knock off, though, and we’d rather not have a repeat of him losing his head so spectacularly against Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
Kieran Tierney
Tierney’s performances at left-back were one of the few bright spots of last season, although the current campaign has been a bit of a slow burner for the Scot.
He struggled to get back into the team after an ankle injury during the autumn, but he has been back to his best in recent weeks, with Arteta publicly stating he has the makings of a future Arsenal captain.
Cedric Soares
Be honest, we all thought the club had taken leave of their senses when Cedric was signed on loan from Southampton before the then-28-year-old was handed a four-year contract before kicking a ball for them.
He played a bit-part role in his first full campaign and looked set to repeat that this time, but Cedric has proven to be an able stand-in since Tomiyasu ran into his injury troubles.
Rob Holding
The only survivor of the Arsene Wenger era in the back line, Holding is in the familiar scenario for him of being that versatile squad player, ready to be called upon in whichever position he is needed.
The chances are he’s probably never going to really nail one of them down and when he does come in, the truth is he doesn’t leave Gunners fans clamouring for his inclusion when every defender is fit.
Nuno Tavares
The young Portuguese, who signed to little fanfare from Benfica in the summer, was almost as big a revelation as Tomiyasu when he stood in for Tierney at left-back during the autumn.
In fact, Tavares did so well he held on to his position for several weeks after Tierney returned to fitness and while it’s been great having him back, we’re at least confident in his understudy doing the business whenever he is called upon.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
