“Kieran Tierney: A Guiding Light in Arsenal’s Darkest Hours”
Kieran Tierney was once the shining light of an apathetic Arsenal team. His hard-working, no nonsense, and direct playstyle was a welcome change to the ineffective, lethargic play of those around him.
When we were at our worst and went through that dreadful run of 1 win in 10 games in 2020, our uniform strategy was; pass to Tierney, let him drive, cross, and repeat 100 times.
Right after lockdown, our primary method of getting into attacking areas was to pass to Tierney, play a ball over the top to Aubameyang, and let him run onto it. Kieran Tierney gave us life during our darkest hours.
Players like him were what made Arsenal fans hold onto the slightest glimmer of hope that we could reach new levels because he was proof that quality players existed! Some of his contributions lifted us up when we were at our very lowest.
While some of these moments seem miniscule, I strongly believe that they played a defining role in the history of Arsenal Football club, and left a lasting impact on all Gooners, whether they realize it or not.
Some of these include: His ball over the top to Aubameyang which won us a penalty in the 2019 FA Cup Final, his solo goal against West Brom in the snow (You already know he was wearing short sleeves), when he drew a foul from Reece James to win the penalty which helped us get our 3-1 win against Chelsea to end our 7 match winless run, his goal against Benfica to give us some momentum and added impetus to go and grab the winning goal in the dying seconds.
He has had his fair set of highlights since joining the club. My point is that KT is a player who will raise the level in training, provide leadership, and set an example for all youngsters at the club to follow.
While his place in the squad definitely appears questionable after arrivals such as Timber, Kiwior, and Zinchenko, I am predicting that Tierney will play a huge role in our title charge this year. I can even see him picking up a starting berth later in the season and having somewhat of a revival. Skill and character does not just disappear overnight.
As we learn more and more with every new arrival, Arteta is a brilliant man-manager and has a special ability to talk to players and convince them of his project.
If Tierney is convinced to stay this season and fight for his place, I have no doubt that he will be rewarded for his efforts.
Here’s to a great season Gooners!
Noah Mroueh
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A very dedicated player.
Maybe it’s like a broken record as a fan once said, but I love the Scottish man.
He’s everything I want to see in a player who represents Arsenal, the passion, unwavering determination and accountability.
From the way he turns up in training rolling up his sleeves. My emotional connection to the lad his real.
If we play with the old attacking fullback tactics, he’d be one of our main attacking outlets. Unfortunately, we currently play with four CBs, so he’d better move to another big club if he’d like to play more often
Thieney is needed for certain games especially in UCL He is like Kyle Walker who Pep still found useful for some games that requires physicality at the wings. The challenge is that at times skillful wingers still get passed him.
I think to play more games he might have to leave Arsenal. Arsenal sure have options at LF back.
I don’t think we’d revert to our old attacking LB tactic, but Arteta could change his mind as he’s unpredictable sometimes
Thieney is needed for certain games especially in UCL He is like Kyle Walker who Pep still find useful for some games that requires physicality at the wings. The issue with Thieney is that at times skillful wingers still get passed him.
I think to play more games he might have to leave Arsenal. Arsenal sure have options at LF back.
I think the points made in the article are fair enough – a nice tribute to a proper professional. In his approach to the game, you’d think he embodies the sort of humble, hard working, selfless example arteta wants from his players.
Arsenal material
He should be the one to convince the coach who doesn’t rate him by fighting for his place. He is humble and well liked by fans but that does not affect anything on the pitch.
Being a fan is pure emotional than anything else. Granit Xhaka was a professional who improved our team with valuable contribution in and out of the pitch yet he was never liked. And Tierney is the exact opposite of that.
What utter nonsense. Xhaka only had one good season with Arsenal and your suggestion that Tierney has not made a meaningful contribution on the pitch is just not the case.Tierney is highly regarded by a host of very successful Managers, and ex Managers who, with respect, are far more knowledgeable regarding football than you are.The system currently adopted by our Manager does not seem to call for a conventional left back,but whether the tactics prove to be successful remains to be seen.I think the time has arrived for Tierney to move on to work with a Manager who fully respects his ability and is not infatuated with a half baked, unbalanced system which was found wanting at the business end of last season.Our left flank is currently manned entirely by right footers and the unbalance which is evident will result in our being stronger defensively but weaker in terms of being able to create chances from that side.The inclusion of Zinchenko would certainly help our creativity on the one hand, but would make us vulnerable defensively on the other.In any event, an excellent article penned from the heart from someone, like myself who has the utmost respect for KT both on and off the pitch.
For the record I like Tierney and I think he is a very good LB. My point is just he has a goodwill of fans regardless of his performance talented or not compared to Granit also talented or not.
If it’s a system or dislike from the coach that denies him starting role, then he is wasting his best years here.
If not the system then it’s up to him to prove to the manager who play everyone at LB but him.
And yes there has been no valuable contribution from him because he spent much time in treatment or the bench.
Neither Arteta nor Arsenal gave any indications that Tierney is leaving or not part of the group. Only the fans. The manager loves him, the coaches love him and the players love him. He still lacks the technical ability and tactical awareness to perform in Arteta system but he has improved a lot. His Northern character will put the rest of his peers on their toes.