Scotland international Kieran Tierney is one of the main reasons that Arsenal’s Europa League dreams remain alive after an excellent performance against Benfica on Thursday.
With Arsenal trailing 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate, the 23-year-old took the matter into his own hands. He took a pass inside the penalty box, stepped away from his man, and hammered the ball into the corner of the net to make it 2-2.
Arsenal later went on to win the game 3-2 on the night, to reach the last 16 of the competition. It was Tierney’s goal that was the turning point in the game though.
Helped to turn game around
It came only six minutes after Benfica had taken a 2-1 lead. The goal allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to set up a frantic finale to the match.
Kieran Tierney celebrates his goal against Benfica (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Tierney doesn’t score a lot of goals. Indeed, the goal last night was only his second of the season. However, it was a very important one. Had the goal not arrived when it did, Arsenal might well be out of Europe. That wasn’t the case, and they have Tierney to thank for that.
Some Arsenal fans on social media were understandably delighted with both Tierney’s performance on the night and his goal. One fan suggested that he should be made Arsenal’s captain in the future.
One fan wants the player to be captain
Another claimed that he was lost for words at how good a player the left-back is. Tierney has become a real favourite of Arsenal fans since joining the club from Celtic, and it is easy to see why.
Kieran Tierney in action for Arsenal against Benfica (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter to Tierney’s performance against Benfica:
Kieran Tierney is unbelievably good
— Tom (@Tomthegunner) February 25, 2021
Kieran Tierney leaves me at a loss for words how good he is, we’ve been blessed with many brilliant full backs over the years, he’s one of thrm
— Kris 😎⚽️⚾️🏈🏏🏀🏆 (@bajankris) February 25, 2021
Kieran Tierney should be captain of Arsenal Football Club. We’re awful without him and the season would’ve been over without his goal and it sums him up. Serial winner. He needs the armband.
— dp📝 (@dompensport) February 25, 2021
Kieran Tierney is the player that we need but do not deserve right now.#Arsenal
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) February 25, 2021
Kieran Tierney ALWAYS stands up to be accounted for
— LacaZte. (@LacaZte) February 25, 2021
We truly don’t deserve Kieran Tierney.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) February 25, 2021
Never gave up, worked his socks off, inspired the comeback with his goal and lead by example as always. Kieran Tierney, ladies and gentleman ❤ pic.twitter.com/Xi9YHm8pun
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) February 25, 2021