KIERAN TIERNEY is on his way back to Celtic this summer and will be eyeing up the starting left-back slot.
But as his career at Arsenal comes to an end, he’s been deployed WELL out of position.
Kieran Tierney applauds the Arsenal fans[/caption]
Mikel Arteta deployed the Celtic-bound star in an unfamiliar role[/caption]
It’s been a frustrating campaign for Tierney, 27, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024.
That kept him out of action for the first four months of the season and it wasn’t until December when he finally returned to action in an Arsenal shirt.
A £25million signing from Celtic in 2019, Tierney’s time at the Gunners is coming to an end.
He’ll make a stunning return to the Hoops in July after his contract in north London has expired.
Since returning from injury, Tierney has found opportunities to play hard to come by.
But with the Gunners 7-1 up on PSV after the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, the Hoops-bound left-back was handed his first start of the season in the return clash in London.
The only caveat being that he most certainly was NOT lining up at left-back.
That’s the position where Tierney has played his entire club career and the position he’ll no doubt be returning to at Celtic next season.
Internationally, he plays on the left side of a back three while he was also once tried at right-back.
But against PSV, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decided to deploy Tierney in a new position altogether.
In a move that surprised many, the 27-year old started on the LEFT WING as part of the Gunners’ front three.
It’s the same position he finished the 1-1 draw at Man Utd at the weekend at but this was certainly the first time he’d ever been asked to start in the position.
Tierney played 79 minutes in the unfamiliar role before being replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by PSV, a result that saw them progress 9-3 on aggregate.
Despite not seeing too much of him in recent times, Arsenal fans have been impressed with Tierney whenever he’s appeared.
And they seemed pleased with how he applied himself in such an unfamiliar role.
One Arsenal fan wrote: “He might not have a future at Arsenal, but I’ll be gutted to see Keiran Tierney go, such a likeable guy, always gives 100% & never lets the team down.”
A second said: “I’m so proud of Tierney! Another decent shift and he seems really physically fit.”
Another posted: “Tierney should stay next year for the mentality and professionalism alone.”
A fourth added: “Tierney was fantastic all round. A proper striker would have benefited from his crosses. He really deserves more playing time!”
Another said: “He’s really good everywhere.”
A further comment read: “Considering he’s never done it, not bad at all.”
Another commented: “I thought he was pretty solid.”
While another simply said: “I love Kieran Tierney.”
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