In the 77th minute of Arsenal’s victory in the North London Derby, Mikel Arteta turned to Kieran Tierney on his bench, who replaced goalscorer Leandro Trossard.
It wouldn’t be foolish if Arsenal fans would then have imagined that Tierney would slot in as a third centre-back, complimenting William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, such is the depth of Arsenal’s injury crisis right now, the former Celtic defender was needed at left-wing, Tierney played in Arteta’s front three.
It’s a remarkable reminder of just how hamstrung Arteta is right now, even if Tierney does have obvious qualities whenever he is asked to play.
Tierney is free to leave Arsenal either this month or in the summer, but every last dance he has at the Emirates Stadium is always greeted with a roar.
Arsenal fans send Mikel Arteta a clear message about Kieran Tierney’s future
Tierney remains so popular with the N5 faithful, something that was also true on X after the full-back came on to play as a makeshift forward.
Despite Arsenal’s willingness to allow Tierney to return to Celtic, supporters on X were actually calling for Arteta to change his mind, concluding that the Scot is still needed.
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One fan simply wrote: “Tierney should stay till the end of the season. He will be needed.”
Another said: “I would legitimately be happy if Kieran Tierney was given a short term new contract (until fitness is proven). When fit, he’s the best LB at the club.”
In the midst of the club’s injury crisis it would seem like an odd decision to let Tierney leave, who is able to solve a number of roles and positions for Arteta.
Of course, there were also just those who took the chance to celebrate how good the Scotland international has been for Arsenal, even if he is destined for a new challenge next summer.
Tierney almost earned an assist when he played the ball into Martin Odegaard late on, who unfortunately wasn’t able to finish.
On the back of that chance, one fan said: “Everytime Tierney comes onto the pitch, he’s class. Such a good cross. Of course, Arsenal can’t finish their dinner.”
Arsenal need Kieran Tierney if Oleksandr Zinchenko leaves
Tierney himself seemed to enjoy his minutes and the victory as well, taking the time to post on Instagram after the game.
The Scot wasn’t able to leave the club in the summer owing to the significant injury he suffered with his country at the Euros.
And it would now seem like a good idea if the 27-year-old were to stick around for the next six months at least.
Tierney’s contract will expire thereafter, but there’s no doubt that he’s needed right now, especially if Oleksandr Zinchenko leaves the club this month.
Borussia Dortmund want Zinchenko, further explaining why Arsenal should keep the Scot around.
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