Kieran Gibbs was called into action in the final quarter of Arsenal’s draw with Spurs at the Emirates but was played in a far more advanced role than usual.
Fortunately, Wenger’s gamble paid off and the full back scored an equalising goal, salvaging a point from our pitiful display and turning himself into an Arsenal legend in a split second.
Speaking about his attacking position, Gibbs said, “Possibly because in the last few games we have not had midfielders.
“It has been difficult for the boss with options so in the last few games I have been coming on and I knew, looking across the bench that, probably, even though I’m a defender I’m one of the more offensive players on the bench. I was happy to come on in a big game like that and get a goal.”
It’s a worrying state of affairs when one of our defenders has to come on and score against our closest rivals, although thankfully he was up to the task. Although the goal itself was scrappy, Gibbo continued to get in great positions and could have scored again just minutes later.
Obviously when players such as Theo and the Ox return, they’ll be our primary attacking options if we run out of ideas. However, in the mean time, having another defender who isn’t too bad going forward will come in handy.