Tierney's trajectory tells story of Arsenal's tactical evolution under Arteta
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.
He was a key member of Arsenal's leadership group and when Aubameyang was shown the door in January 2022, Tierney emerged as a leading candidate for club captain. At Villa Park in March that year, Tierney wore the armband for the first time in the Premier League after Alexandre Lacazette, who was appointed as temporary captain until the end of the season, was subbed at half-time.
That afternoon would prove to be the
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