Arteta has unearthed an unlikely secret weapon fuelling Arsenal's title bid

28 February 2024 , 07:00

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Jakub Kiwior has been an unlikely hero for Arsenal in recent weeks (Image: Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)

Mikel Arteta favours versatility. If you can cover a number of roles then you'll immediately work your way into his good books.

Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu are the standout examples on the Arsenal books. Each can cover at least two defensive roles without the lofty standards at the Emirates dropping, though fans are yet to really see Timber at his best following a serious knee injury sustained on the opening weekend of the campaign.

Jakub Kiwior is another is excelling in his newfound role, and one that he struggled in earlier in the campaign. When the Poland international replaced Oleksandr Zinchenko at the break in the 3-1 win over Liverpool at the start of the month, many anticipated a repeat of his horror performance against the Reds in the FA Cup to kick off 2024. Kiwior returned a WhoScored.com rating of just 5.33 as Arsenal fell to a third successive defeat in all competitions.

Their winter break came at the perfect time for Arteta's side as they regrouped. However, when Zinchenko came off at the break against Liverpool at the start of February, the expectation was that Jurgen Klopp's side would target the former Spezia man as they sought to capitalise upon Gabriel Magalhaes' first half own goal.

Yet Kiwior stood firm, ending the game with an assist for good measure as he turned provider for Leandro Trossard late on to put the result beyond doubt.

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Kiwior impressed when he came on against Liverpool earlier this month (Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)

Since his return to the XI, Kiwior hasn't really put a foot wrong. The likes of William Saliba and Gabriel draw the praise, yet the 24-year-old hasn't looked out of place at left-back, which is a far cry from his showings in the position earlier in the campaign.

Indeed, six of Kiwior's seven league starts this season have come at left-back, and prior to the turn of the year; his performances were disappointing to say the least.

The Pole played the full 90 in the 2-2 home draw with Fulham back in August, was hooked midway through the second half in the eventual win at Luton and lasted just the first half at Craven Cottage on New Year's Eve.

Kiwior has coming into the side at left back in recent weeks (Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)

When he arrived from Italy a little over 12 months ago, he wasn't a household name on these shores, yet joined with a big reputation. Arsenal could have easily cut their losses on Kiwior after just a year, with the defender linked with a January switch to AC Milan, but the club stood firm in their desire to retain his services. The decision could prove a masterstroke.

There are even suggestions that Arsenal don't need Zinchenko upon his return to fitness given Kiwior's form, though it's important not to get ahead of ourselves. Different left-backs for different needs, and all that.

Part of the reason for Kiwior's dominance in the Premier League in the absence of Zinchenko has been the level of opposition. West Ham and Burnley were never going to pose much of a threat to Arsenal given their downturn in fortunes, while the former, a more direct side, would have given the Gunners a more physical battle, so a stronger, taller option made more sense anyway.

It was telling, though, that Arsenal really struggled without Zinchenko in their Champions League defeat to Porto last week. The Portuguese side made it difficult for their English counterparts at the Dragao, and this is evident in that the ball was in play for just 51.7 per cent of the game.

A left-back of Zinchenko's calibre would have helped Arsenal advance the play and gain a better foothold of the game itself, a facet to Kiwior's game that is found wanting. While few for the Gunners could cover themselves in glory, Kiwior did return a WhoScored.com rating of just 5.90 as he, along with his teammates, struggled to assert themselves in a hostile atmosphere against a Porto side that has routinely made it beyond the group stages of European competition.

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Five fouls committed was more than any other player on the pitch and points to a lack of experience at this level, a quality that Zinchenko packs in abundance.

That being said, Kiwior's turnaround in fortunes has been notable to say the least. Whereas injuries to Timber, Tomiyasu and, crucially, Zinchenko could have derailed Arsenal's title hopes, Kiwior's re- emergence as a viable left-back option for Arteta's side are able to remain in the hunt for silverware.

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Ben McAleer