Paul Merson explains the problem he has got with Arsenal star Kieran Tierney

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Paul Merson has told 90Min Football’s YouTube that he has a problem with Arsenal star Kieran Tierney – ahead of Sunday’s North London derby.

Tierney, 24, is in his third season at Arsenal. A tricky first term was followed by a much better second campaign, in which he remained injury free.

Indeed, much of last season saw Tierney gain praise – alongside Bukayo Saka when Arsenal were struggling. Many see him as a future captain.

Tierney has played all five Premier League games this season, though he has been rested in the Carabao Cup – with Nuno Tavares replacing him.

Arsenal legend Merson gave an honest verdict on Tierney. He has a “problem” with the Scotland star, saying he is trying to do too much.

“I’ll go Tierney [over Reguilon]. But the problem is, he’s becoming a bit of a school captain and trying to do everything,” Merson said.

“Instead of doing his job, stopping crosses, he’s trying to do everything – and is getting caught in between. Stop the cross, or get back into a position.

“I like Reguilon, but I’ve got to go Tierney – he is one of Arsenal’s best players. If he can’t get into the team, then I am struggling.”

Merson on Tierney: Arsenal star one of club’s best players

But Merson might have a point. As Tierney’s leadership grows at Arsenal as one of the first names on the team sheet, he might forget the basics.

Getting the defensive side of the game done first, is crucial. Certainly, he might have started to do that in the last couple of games.

Arsenal have kept clean sheets against Norwich and Burnley in 1-0 wins last time out. Tierney has been superb over the last two years.

But sometimes it is good to be reminded of his duties and Tierney must remember that doing his own job is primary, everything else secondary.