Alan Smith: Arsenal options in defence will show if progress is being made

Boost: Hector Bellerin is back in the fold
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Alan Smith21 October 2019

With more options now becoming available, it’s going to be interesting to see Unai Emery’s vision of Arsenal’s defence. Getting that right — and the midfield protection in front of it — will shape the club’s season in a vital way.

For one, I’d expect Kieran Tierney to make his Premier League debut on Monday.

The young Scot is an exciting prospect, as shown by a brilliant display against Standard Liege in the Europa League. He’s a better defender than Sead Kolasinac and more mobile going forward, where his crossing ability can become a potent weapon. I can’t see any reason why Emery wouldn’t pick the left-back for tonight’s game at Bramall Lane.

Of the others, I’m a big fan of Rob Holding, who could possibly get a run out in central defence.

Holding offers a steadier option in an area of the pitch where Sokratis can be hot-headed and David Luiz unpredictable. To put it mildly, that’s not an ideal combination.

For me, Holding’s calmer presence and good reading of the game make him a better partner for Luiz.

The lad has been dreadfully unlucky with injuries so far, but if he can only stay fit, the

24-year-old has the ability, I think, to become an Arsenal regular for several years to come.

Over at right-back, meanwhile, Hector Bellerin is back in the fold, working his way towards full match fitness.

The speedy Spaniard, we know, offers so much verve on the front foot. He typifies the modern full-back, with those barnstorming runs, and I do think his defending has improved over the last couple of years. It would be a surprise, then, if Emery didn’t let Bellerin loose in the near future.

Arsenal squad 2019-20 | Injuries, contracts and squad numbers

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Calum Chambers, however, has done a great job in recent weeks; so much so he has become a fans’ favourite. His defensive instincts might be better suited to Bramall Lane tonight.

All this adds up to good news. Arsenal conceded far too many goals on the road last season.

That’s got to stop for the team to progress, which means Emery using his choices to find the right blend.

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