Arsenal hero Martin Keown has rapped manager Mikel Arteta over his use of Kieran Tierney in defeat to Chelsea last week.
Discussing Arteta's tactics, Keown wrote for the Daily Mail: "Kieran Tierney was being asked to cover ridiculous distances down the left-hand side.
"He was racing down the wing to become the additional wide man, with Xhaka covering him at left back, but then as soon as the ball was lost Tierney was having to bomb all the way back.
"When Xhaka was covering at left back, that left only Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield. All on his own it was impossible for Arsenal to build a protective screen to stop balls from getting into Romelu Lukaku.
"When Arsenal were out of possession in the middle third, it was difficult for Tierney to read whether Xhaka would remain in midfield or drop back.
"For Chelsea's opener, because Xhaka decides to stay in midfield instead of dropping into defence, Tierney has to tuck in to take care of the central Mason Mount. That leaves Reece James roaming free on the wing.
"When James then receives possession, Tierney is unable to get there quick enough and seconds later, the ball is in the back of the net.
"It was a recurring theme. For the second goal, Tierney was left in a two-v-one situation — not knowing whether to step inside or stay out wide.
"Arsenal would have been better off keeping it simple and starting with a back five — the system which was used so successfully in winning the FA Cup in 2020."
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