Patrick Vieira strongly criticized Takehiro Tomiyasu’s performance in Arsenal’s recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham. The match marked Arsenal’s second consecutive loss to end the year 2023. At halftime, with the score tied at 1-1, Mikel Arteta made a tactical change, substituting Tomiyasu for Jakub Kiwior at left-back. This position is pivotal for Arteta’s strategy, and while players like Oleksandr Zinchenko have faced scrutiny, they typically adapt well to a midfield role when required.
However, neither Kiwior nor Tomiyasu impressed in the left-back position against Fulham. Pundit Jamie Redknapp, speaking on Super Sunday, criticized Tomiyasu’s performance, stating that he appeared lost and failed to provide the necessary width, making things challenging for his own team.
Redknapp remarked, “Tomiyasu came into the midfield today and just looked like a fish up a tree. I’m watching him going, what are you doing in there? That’s not his fault. He doesn’t play there. He’s a right-back predominantly, and you’re asking him to be a good midfield player.”
Arsenal’s recent struggles are evident, with only one win in their last six games across all competitions. Currently in fourth place in the table, the upcoming January transfer window offers Arteta an opportunity to address these issues and make necessary adjustments. Fans express concern about the team’s lack of ideas, with hopes that Arteta will strengthen the squad, particularly in the left-back position, during the transfer period.
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