Steven Thompson hailed Kieran Tierney on BBC Sportsound (12/11, 18:44) after the Arsenal full-back produced a crucial goal-denying tackle as Scotland beat Moldova on Friday night.
The Tartan Army travelled to the Stadionul Zimbru needing a win to secure a play-off spot for the World Cup. Guaranteeing Steve Clarke’s side will finish in second-place in Group F.
Nathan Patterson calmed any early Scotland nerves, when the Rangers full-back hammered home into the bottom corner on 38-minutes. Southampton striker Che Adams later handed the visitors a two-goal lead on 65-minutes with an easy tap in from Patterson’s cutback.
Scotland felt a weight taken from their shoulders after Adams’ goal, but handed Moldova a route back into the tie.
Referee Srdjan Jovanovic pointed to the spot after a VAR review deemed Patterson to have handled the ball.
However, Craig Gordon would not be beaten, and got a strong hand to the ball. But the job was not over, as Tierney superbly rushed in to stop Vadim Rata tapping in the rebound.
Arsenal ace Tierney darted in from the edge of the Scotland box, and slid magnificently to get to the ball before Voluntari midfielder Rata could offer Moldova hope of a comeback.
Tierney’s unbelievable goal-denying interception thrilled ex-Rangers striker Thompson, as the Arsenal defender ensured Scotland kept a clean sheet in Moldova.
“What a save! He’s got a really strong arm to it,” Thompson said. “Kieran Tierney’s desire to clear the rebound is absolutely brilliant, top-class defending.”
Perfect return for Arsenal ace Tierney for Scotland against Moldova
Tierney’s efforts as Scotland beat Moldova on Friday night will have delighted Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, as well as Thompson.
The £25m full-back has not played for the Gunners since their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on October 18. Sitting out wins over Aston Villa and Leicester City with an ankle injury.
Arteta also did not have the 24-year-old available for their Carabao Cup win over Leeds United. And the Spaniard chose to rest Tierney when Arsenal hosted Watford last Sunday.
Returning and producing a vital goal-saving tackle will offer Arteta confidence the £110k-a-week ace is now fully fit again. Perfect for Arsenal, with a trip to Liverpool next Saturday.
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