Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Unai Emery could be forced into changing his formation if he’s looking to accommodate both Kieran Tierney and David Luiz into the Arsenal team.
That’s the view of former Gunner Paul Merson.
The Gunners signed both players on transfer deadline day from Chelsea and Celtic respectively.
Tierney is a few weeks away from full fitness, but Luiz was an unused substitute as Arsenal won on the opening weekend 1-0 away at Newcastle.
The Gunners signed Kieran Tierney, left, from Celtic (Picture: Getty)
With the former Chelsea defender looking on, Sokratis and Calum Chambers both impressed in a back four for Arsenal at St James’ Park.
But Arsenal legend Paul Merson reckons Emery may opt for a back five going forward.
“When you’re looking at them and you’re naming them players, I wouldn’t be surprised if he started going to a three at the back,” Merson said on The Debate (via Express).
“Play them two and David Luiz in the middle of them.
“He can come out and play, you’ve got Tierney playing as one wing-back.
“Very much [that suits Luiz], I think it suits all of the defenders.
Paul Merson predicts a back five for Arsenal this season
“If you have three centre-halves playing there it gives all of them something to fall back on.
“If Tierney can get forward he can play, so he’ll want to get forward.
“They’ll want to bomb forward down the other side and they can score goals.
“I’m looking forward to Arsenal this season. I was quite impressed [against Newcastle], I was quite impressed.
“It was a hard game, going to Newcastle, first game of the season, a couple of new players.
“For me it was comfortable and [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang what a goal, what a goal.”
Gooners, what system do you think would suit Arsenal best? Let us know in the comments…
