Kieran Tierney was the main creative force in the Scotland team against Slovakia this weekend, playing at wing-back for the side.

Serbia's midfielder Dusan Tadic (C) fights for the ball with Scotland's midfielder Callum McGregor (L) and Scotland's midfielder Kieran Tierney during the Euro 2020 play-off qualification football match between Serbia and Scotland at the Red Star Stadium in Belgrade on November 12, 2020. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Serbia midfielder Dusan Tadic (C) fights for the ball with Kieran Tierney on November 12, 2020. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

In the absence of Andy Robertson through injury, Kieran Tierney moved further forward for Scotland on Sunday. After playing at left-centre-back in their Euro 2020 qualifier win over Serbia, he started at wing-back in the subsequent Slovakia clash.

The Arsenal defender certainly benefitted from the freedom to get forward. He created a game-high four chances, including one big chance, completing three of five crosses and four of six long balls. He also had an 89% pass accuracy and completed two dribbles.

Unfortunately, Scotland were wasteful up front. Despite taking six more shots than their opponents, they had the same number on target, and failed to score any of them.

In addition to the one Tierney created, Scotland missed three further big chances and lost 1-0.

There may have been a hangover from qualifying for the Euros a few days earlier. Playing 120 minutes and celebrating into the night afterwards probably took a lot out of the side. But Tierney was clearly still on his game.

Scotland face Israel next on Wednesday. Ideally, Tierney will sit the match out, having already played 210 minutes of football in the last four days. But you get the impression he’ll happily start the match if asked.

manchester united v arsenal premier league 1
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal and Kieran Tierney of Arsenal celebrate following their team’s victory on November 01, 2020. (Photo by Paul Ellis – Pool/Getty Images)

The question this all raises is whether Arsenal are getting the best from Tierney in his current left-centre-back role. It gives the team some flexibility to switch between a back three and a back four, but stops him from getting up the pitch as much.

If it keeps Bukayo Saka in the team, who was also excellent creatively on Sunday, perhaps it’s for the best. But it’s something to think about.

Arsenal's German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (rear C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team third goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

3 Arsenal players make Team of the Week after Spurs win

Arsenal have three players in the BBC and WhoScored Teams of the Week after Sunday's victory over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Issy Hobson of Everton celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammates during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on April 28, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Arsenal disappoint at Everton and a surprise encounter in Paris

Arsenal's title bid suffers a blow with a late Everton equaliser. Champions League qualification is in sight, but work remains.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: The players of Arsenal celebrate as David Raya of Arsenal (not pictured) makes the match-winning save from the fourth penalty from Galeno of FC Porto (not pictured) in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Arsenal confirm Champions League qualification & why that matters

Arsenal received a boost ahead of Sunday's north London derby with confirmation that they've qualified for next season's Champions League.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - APRIL 13: Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena on April 13, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Arsenal striker target’s agent pictured at the Emirates Stadium

Benjamin Sesko's agent attended Arsenal's game against Chelsea last week, amid reports linking the Gunners with a move for the striker.
Ethan Nwaneri celebrating a goal for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal.com)

2 outstanding Arsenal starlets to play in U17 European Championship

Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri (England) and Chido Obi-Martin (Denmark) face off at U17 Euros. Group draw revealed, tough path for England.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace looks on during the warm-up prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Arsenal interested in £55m PL 23yo likely to leave this summer

Arsenal are interested in Marc Guehi this summer, and Crystal Palace fear the defender is likely to leave in the upcoming window.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: James Olayinka of Northampton Town in action during the Sky Bet League Two Play Off Semi-final 1st Leg match between Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town at PTS Academy Stadium on June 18, 2020 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Arsenal Academy graduate released

Arsenal academy graduate James Olayinka released by Cheltenham Town after relegation. What's next for the young midfielder?
png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAANoAAACWAQMAAACCSQSPAAAAA1BMVEWurq51dlI4AAAAAXRSTlMmkutdmwAAABpJREFUWMPtwQENAAAAwiD7p7bHBwwAAAAg7RD+AAGXD7BoAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC

Premier League clubs agree to spending cap proposal

Premier League clubs have agreed in principle on a spending cap tied to TV earnings, with Arsenal voting for the change.
Leandro Trossard sends a message to Anne Hathaway (Image via the TODAY show on Twitter)

Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard sends message to Anne Hathaway

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard has sent a message to Anne Hathaway after her viral clip celebrating his goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arsenal's British forward #14 Eddie Nketiah controls the ball during a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal 24yo is putting the team first amid exit talk

Eddie Nketiah says he's putting the team first amid his disappointment at not starting more games for Arsenal this season.