What Mikel Arteta said about Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal future only three years ago is now really sad

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Arsenal beat Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup to book a place in the final four.

Arsenal will find out their EFL Cup semi-final opponent on December 19th, in what could present a tasty draw for the Gunners.

For now, Mikel Arteta will be analysing his side’s 3-2 win over the Eagles, a night that saw Gabriel Jesus net a hat-trick.

While Jesus’ performance against Palace will steal the headlines, there was another name in the squad who generated a lot of attention.

• READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus shines on 10/10 night, but one gets 2/10 – Arsenal player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Mikel Arteta’s interesting past comments on Kieran Tierney after Arsenal return

After 584 days, Kieran Tierney returned to Arteta’s starting XI, named in the lineup at left-back.

The Scotsman performed as if he’d never been away, overlapping and playing in venomous crosses to tease Arsenal’s front line.

It was a memorable occasion for the defender, seeing Tierney receive well wishes after the EFL Cup win. 

While we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the 27-year-old in action recently, his return reminded many of his quality and old-school approach, something that once charmed Arteta. 

Back in 2021, the Arsenal manager waxed lyrical about Tierney, backing the Scotland international to one day become club captain.

“I think he can be [captain] because he has the respect and the admiration of every member of the staff and every player,” Arteta said after Arsenal’s 4-0 win against West Brom. 

“It’s just the way he is, he does it in a natural way. He’s a shy boy but I think he represents all of the values we want to install and that are in the DNA of this club.”

The comments Arteta made on that snowy night at The Hawthorns are particularly interesting now, given another story that broke during the Gunners’ cup win over Palace.

Kieran Tierney transfer latest amid Arsenal exit

Despite the fullback’s return to action, it’s become clear that Tierney will leave Arsenal in the coming months, with it decided that the Gunners will not renew his contract. 

• READ MORE: What EFL Cup display vs Crystal Palace means for Kieran Tierney amid Arsenal transfer speculation

The Scotsman could leave in the January window and a dream move could be in line for the 27-year-old, according to reports.

Celtic want to sign Tierney this winter, which could be a heroic return for the former Celt, who lived his dream of representing his boyhood club before joining Arsenal.

Things haven’t worked out for Tierney under Arteta however, the prospect of seeing the defender earn a move back to the club of his life would be warmly welcomed by many.