Just minutes into the game, Kiwior was outmuscled in a physical duel, which led to Palace scoring the opening goal. This shaky start seemed to unsettle him, and while he improved as the match progressed, the incident left a sour taste among fans, some of whom have questioned his suitability for the team.
According to a report from Football Insider, some Arsenal supporters believe Kiwior lacks the physicality and composure needed to succeed at the highest level, with calls emerging for him to be excluded from future starting lineups. Despite this criticism, the Gunners appear committed to retaining the defender, having rejected approaches for him ahead of the January transfer window.
It’s important to note that Kiwior has delivered solid performances in prior games and has shown promise as a versatile defender who can fill in when needed. One poor moment shouldn’t overshadow his overall contribution, especially when he’s still adapting to the physical and tactical demands of English football.
Arsenal’s squad depth will be crucial as the season unfolds, and offloading Kiwior in January without securing a capable replacement would be a significant risk. Arteta and the club should continue to support him, allowing time to refine his game and regain confidence.
While Kiwior may not yet be ready for a permanent starting role, he remains a valuable squad member, and his development should be judged over a longer period, not just one challenging match.
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Kiwior is not a bad defender and his distribution has been good too. But he is lightweight when it comes to situations requiring some brawn. For that reason he is not at the necessary level, but I agree, we shouldn’t let him go in January without a replacement. Calafiori has already had to much time out and I am starting to wonder if he has just been unlucky or there is a pattern developing. Furthermore, if we put Tamiyasu and Zinchenko in a blender I still don’t think we would get any better out of the two of them.
With the style of play at the defence of Arsenal and our goalkeeper Raya that doesn’t stay by his goal posts, Kwiwor is not a defender for Arsenal. He has no pace to contest with any pacy attacker and no enough defensive skills to cover up for his weakness. It makes sense to let him go. He is always a big risk at the defence line.
Kiwior is still young and it’s the only time that he is playing his position in the EPL, he is like a new signing still adapting. Remember when he arrived, he was playing RCB after replacing Saliba and Holding, then last season , he was a LB through out. His passing is good and he is not scared to make himself an option during build up, and he grows into the game. I think he should be kept instead of treatment room regulars like Tomiyasu, Tierney, and Zinchenko
Losing a physical battle with Mateta is quite understandable even for most regular starters in the league. MA had to realize this risk but does this mean that he shouldn’t ever start for the Arsenal? Perhaps, but on another day, he may well have won the battle as well as the war.
He didn’t really lose a battle, he just seemed to misjudge the ball. He messed up – it happens and he is still young for a CB. Thankfully we won and he did fairly well otherwise. Not a big deal so long as it’s not a regular occurrence
Not the battle for the game but just that particular duel. I agree, it happens especially against a player like Mateta and I feel as you Davi with respect to his overall performance and your last sentence.
He is never going to be first choice but decent back up especially as out other defenders keep getting injured.
There is no need to hound our own players