Kieran Tierney's trajectory tells story of Arsenal's tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta
Kieran Tierney's trajectory tells the story of Arsenal's tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta; Scotland defender Tierney left Arsenal for Real Sociedad this summer on loan; watch Arsenal vs Man Utd live on Sky Sports Premier League on Sunday from 4pm; kick-off 4.3pm
By Shubi Arun
Thursday 31 August 2023 12:22, UK
It all began with a Tesco bag.
It's June 2020 and Arsenal are at Bramall Lane to play Sheffield United in an FA Cup quarter-final. It was to prove a stern test for the visitors, who required a stoppage-time winner from Dani Ceballos to secure their passage to the semi-final.
Kieran Tierney was adjudged the player of the match but it was his showing off the pitch that turned heads.
Ahead of the game, Tierney had been pictured entering the stadium accessorised by nothing but a Tesco carrier bag. In an era where we've grown accustomed to players sporting designer handbags, it was a startling sight and immediately lapped up by Arsenal supporters.
The quarter-final was only his 15th appearance for the Gunners but that summer afternoon in Sheffield gave him cult status among the fanbase.
His starring role in Arsenal's triumphant FA Cup campaign that year, which included the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's winner in the semi-final against Manchester City, cemented his role as a fan favourite.
Over the next two years, the Scottish left-back grew to become the emotional centre of the Arsenal project. For manager Mikel Arteta, he embodied the commitment he sought from his players as he set about revamping the culture in the club. His ability to follow instructions made him the perfect on-field conduit for the manger.
Transfer Centre LIVE!
Papers — latest headlines
Premier League ins and outs
Download the Sky
Read on skysports.com
