Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has proved yet again why Unai Emery brought him from Celtic in the summer for £25m.
Tierney, 22, made a successful return to action on Thursday after Arsenal’s resounding 4-0 win against Standard Liege and was involved in a lot of the build-up play that the Gunners’ carried out. After another eye-catching performance from the Scotsman, he is putting teammate Sead Kolasinac under immense pressure in terms of team selection.
After being brought in under the Arsene Wenger era, the Bosnian defender has not been the long term answer that Arsenal were looking for at left-back. The 26-year-old was ruthlessly exposed during a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Premier League and came under some brutal criticism from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who accused Kolasniac of being unable to move his feet.
On the chalkboard
With the arrival of Tierney from Scotland, Kolasinac is now under huge pressure after his colossal performance in the Europa League on Thursday.
Despite Gabriel Martinelli taking the headlines with his brace, the 22-year-old’s exquisite link-up play and intricate passing was something that the Emirates haven’t seen for many years. His positivity and his willingness to go forward and put crosses in was a contrast to what happened at Old Trafford on Monday.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown said that Tierney “oozes quality” and has put the Bosnian defender under the cosh as a result.
As a result of last night’s scintillating performance, Arsenal’s £25m signing deserves a chance in the first team in Premier League action. Having only played in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup for the Gunners’ so far, his injury crisis appears to be behind him and should feature against Bournemouth on Sunday.
