Martin Keown has told BT Sport that Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney sent a message to Mikel Arteta on Thursday night with his goal and impressive performance, as the Gunners stumbled to a 1-0 win over Zurich, at The Emirates.
Arsenal had to to match, or better PSV’s result away at Bodo/Glimt to progress as winners of Group A. PSV secured a 2-1 win in Norway, meaning Arsenal had to beat Zurich. They got off to a good start when Tierney broke the deadlock.
The ball dropped to the Scottish defender on the edge of the box, and he lashed a half-volley into the bottom corner. A gorgeous strike. But that is the way the scoreline remained, despite Arsenal having numerous first-half chances.
The second-half was much more nerve-wracking for the Emirates crowd, with Zurich even having a goal disallowed. Arsenal legend Keown thinks £110,000-a-week star Tierney sent a message to Arteta with his goal and performance.
“He’s shown a lot of resolve when third choice. Most of his football has come in this competition. Outstanding finish. It is a message to Arteta saying, don’t forget me. A shame Tomiyasu injured, but look at what they have in reserve.”
Keown: Arsenal defender Tierney sent a message to Arteta
Tierney is a superb option, but his injury issues have been tricky. Under Arteta of late, he has had to tend with being dropped. Something he is not used to, having been a mainstay during his Celtic stint – largely under Brendan Rodgers.
With Tomiyasu going off injured and Oleksandr Zinchenko remaining an unused substitute, Tierney could be given the nod after his man-of-the-match performance against Zurich. It will be interesting to see Arteta’s line-up at Chelsea.
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