Chris Sutton asks Tierney question after pathetic Arsenal display

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Chris Sutton has told BBC Sport that the first-half display from Arsenal on Monday was pathetic, and questioned whether the Gunners need Kieran Tierney to set the right tone with his attitude.

Mikel Arteta’s men missed the chance to move back into fourth spot in the Premier League. They were thrashed 3-0 at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace and Patrick Vieira.

Palace were excellent. But Arsenal were not afraid to shoot themselves in the foot. They made a number of costly mistakes, and they were punished.

One of those to have a torrid first 45 minutes was Nuno Tavares. The Portuguese came into the side in place of Tierney. And unfortunately, it proved to be another early shower for the left-back.

Tavares was taken off at the break, with Granit Xhaka the one to drop into the defence.

Arsenal did look a little better after the break, but the damage was certainly done by that stage.

Sutton did not hold back in his criticism of Arsenal, and he questioned the kind of impact not having Tierney had on the team as they simply folded.

He told BBC Sport: “Arsenal’s first half performance was really pathetic when you think of the position they had got themselves in. With this performance, is it one that derails their season? Does it take Kieran Tierney to inspire the team with his attitude?

“Arsenal were well off it tonight.”

Tierney importance made abundantly clear in his absence for Arsenal

Obviously, it is no surprise that Arsenal missed Tierney. He has been a fantastic servant when he has been available. And he sets the standard on a regular basis.

He is a player being tipped to be a future captain. And it does seem that not having him really hurt the Gunners.

But as Sutton suggests, what happened at Selhurst Park cannot solely be down to Tierney not being involved. Otherwise, it could be a long end to the season for Arteta’s men.