Kieran Tierney looks to be back to full health as he made his first start for Arsenal since returning from injury, a boost for Steve Clarke and Scotland.
The left-back put in an energetic performance that evidently left him knackered at full-time, bursting up and down his flank the entire match. But they were unable to beat Manchester City, losing 1-0 at the Emirates.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: (L – R) Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal speaks with Kieran Tierney of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 21, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
But it was still good to see the Scotland star back in a starting XI. He had been missing for just over a month, Arsenal winning just two of the last seven games Tierney has been unavailable for.
He has now made 25 appearances so far this term. Scotland have World Cup qualifiers coming up in just under four week’s time and manager Clarke will be hoping that all of his key men manage to retain fitness between now and next month.
It’s not going to get any quieter for Tierney, who could play at least five matches for Arsenal between now and the international break, including a massive North London derby with Tottenham. Fans were also pleased to see the Scotland star back in the starting XI over the weekend.
Tierney and Saka are the only ones who have tried today
— The People’s Champ 💯🤟🏽 (@TroopzAFC) February 21, 2021
So Arsenal has only one player Kieran Tierney
— Colo (@Colynzbashaija) February 21, 2021
I love the gameplay of Tierney and Saka.
— No Cap Arsenal (@NoCapArsenal) February 21, 2021
I hope Kieran Tierney is captain of Arsenal soon.
— THEAFCBell 🔔 (English) (@EnglishBell_) February 22, 2021
It’s quite telling Kieran Tierney is always ready to speak, even after a defeat & poor performance. He doesn’t shy away from the pressure. A captain in the making. pic.twitter.com/OQxFLmobh2
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) February 22, 2021
Passes received in the attacking third at HT
Kieran Tierney: 11
Bukayo Saka: 6
Aubameyang + Pepe + Odegaard: 6— Tom Worville (@Worville) February 21, 2021
Kid talks after every game, goes at 110% every game and already loves Arsenal Football Club. To have 11 Kieran Tierney’s would be a dream. Future captain and hopefully we can keep him for the rest of his career. Life long gooner. Thanks @kierantierney1 https://t.co/S39zpp05tN
— Jack Robinson (@kingArsenejr) February 21, 2021
We all love Kieran Tierney because you can see the passion and fight he gives for the badge.
Imagine the good days when there were entire teams like that. 99 United team full of academy players and men who had so much passion for the club. Wish we had more of that.
— Hobbs (@HobbsAFC) February 21, 2021
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