Arsenal idol ‘shocked’ by Mikel Arteta after ‘incredible’ Takehiro Tomiyasu quotes emerge
Kevin Campbell was “shocked” to see Kieran Tierney overlooked by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for the visit of Liverpool.
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners and Everton striker said the decision was vindicated by the performance of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Tomiyasu replaced the injured Oleksandr Zinchenko in the staring lineup against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Japan international kept last season’s top scorer Mohamed Salah quiet for the entirety of the 3-2 win.
Speaking to club media post-match (9 October), Arteta heaped praise on the defender for his “incredible” performance at the Emirates.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Tomiyasu’s display, Campbell said: “Wow. He was outstanding.
“If I’m honest with you, it was a shock to see him starting. It is not because he is not a good player, it is because Tierney was fit. I thought he would have started.
“Tomiyasu can play multiple positions and he proved that again at the weekend. He did a real number on Salah. It was a good decision from Mikel Arteta.
“Tierney is struggling to get a run of games but you have to protect him because he keeps breaking down. That is the issue.
“There is a lot of games this month. Tierney will get his chance. Rotation is key.
“I know Tierney will be frustrated not to be playing. We need him to stay fit for the full season though so managing his game time is necessary.”
In other news, a pundit has told Arsenal to ‘sort it out’ after journalist’s William Saliba transfer update.