Mikel Arteta praised the attitude and application of Kieran Tierney after the Scotland international scored a beauty of a goal to help Arsenal to a 4-0 win against West Bromwich Albion.
The left-back curled home the Gunners’ opener at the Hawthorns and was an ongoing attacking menace on a night when in-form duo Bukayo Saka and Alex Lacazette again got on the scoresheet.
Here’s what the boss had to say when he faced the BT Sport cameras…
On a pleasing win…
It was a very convincing win. To win the last three games over the Christmas period in the Premier League is not easy. In phases, when the weather and the conditions were better, we played some great football. At the end, we had to manage, in certain moments, the conditions and the way we had to play because the pitch was really difficult.
On the goals…
I think the first two goals [were great], the first action with Keiron was terrific and the second, the combination play between a few players, was fantastic as well. And the clean sheet, it’s two in a row now and that gives us a platform to win the games. We look more creatives and more of a threat in the final third. Our attacking play was much better today.
On Tierney being one of the first names on the teamsheet…
Absolutely, he’s been fantastic since I’ve been here. The moment he got back from his shoulder injury, he’s been terrific. He’s a lad that gives you everything. He’s improving, he’s willing to do better and better. He brings a great energy and quality to the team.
On winning three games in a row…
I’m so happy we were able to achieve the target that we had [over the festive period] because the table looks completely different, the energy around the place is much better. Wins bring a lot of confidence and you can see that today in the performance and the way the team played.
On starting the defence of the FA Cup…
It’s great. We’ve got a week now to prepare for a different competition. We have great memories from last season and the way we won the cup. Let’s enjoy tonight, enjoy the victory and go back home, if the weather allows, and be ready for the next one.
I can’t get enough of Arsenal’s #3
I think Tierney’s reaction to his goal might be my favourite since Henry against Leeds in the cup, I really felt that shit!
Had the same thought.
Yeah, me too.
The lad is a winner. Celtic must be sick as parrots watching his progress down here with us.
I would be very interested to see this team, incl. rotations:
Leno
Bellerin Holding Gabriel Tierney
Partey AMN/New Signing
Smith-Rowe
Saka Martinelli/Auba
Laca/Balogun
Throw in Mari as a reliable first backup CB.
*1st choice. You cant throw someone out who absolutely got you back to winning ways
No
What a sensationally constructive comment Dave. Well thought out and articulate
And what would you prefer? I suggested a pretty obvious line-up with literally 2 changes from what’s been working lately. Should Partey and Gabriel not come back into the team? Do we not want a new creative midfielder signing? Nice post.
Delighted too with danis reaction cor lacas third fell to his knees
Vs Newcastle be a good game for gab mart and Auba to play as LW/CF.
Chambers too should get a run out at CB instead of holding.
ANM at RB and captain Tierney as LB.
Mo and Dani as CMs and ESR as AMF.
Auba Balogun and Marti as a trio.
Ceballos should partner partey
Nd it’s not even a debate.
It’s a straight fact.
Ya I agree both can move ball and push up on tackle. To be fair on form Xhaka shades it. That sitting deep and having double lefts in Tierney and Auba suits him. Would Eriksen for Xhaka look so attractive now I dunno but credit to both granit and dani they showing well and producing for the teams. Mo s limited but willing and never offended so easily dropped. Thomas is a different world of class plus Saka and hopefully ESR but Eriksen tutoring for ESR would be ideal. Aurour and Brandt are nice to haves but have they they… Read more »
ESR, first name on team sheet.
Lot’s of down votes but people should save the Cebellos hate for when he hasn’t just had an absolute monster of a game for us.
3 key passes
4 tackles
89 touches
SEVEN interceptions
Arsenal have turned the corner. I say hold yr breath. If the gunners can go on a rampage with 5/6 wins on the trot and an unbeaten 10 game run, then it looks like so.
Yeah I know Big Sam has held both Pool
and MC. However he aint going to be so lucky all the time
I must say I’m really impressed with Mari’s tackling, calmness, aerial ability defensively and aggression. Think Gabriel can learn from him.
Also holding not sliding in on Gallagher was terrific#mustafi🤣
Tierney has shown that he is good when the team is in poor form and unplayable when the team is in form.
Hope the micro partnerships continue to grow.
Really enjoyable match.
Good beginnings for Arsenal.
But am still suggesting for better creative midfielder than Ceballos because his not fast enough in premier league, his too slow in recovering loose ball from opponents,
Arsenal need player like Grealish so we can win league also a better backup goalkeeper.
Didn’t watch the interview, but pretty sure Artera said Keiron instead of Kieran.
It’s been a long time since I could honestly say there was an Arsenal player that I wouldn’t swap for any other in his position in world football, but gonna go out on a limb and say it about KT. Robertson has been clearly the best left back in the world for a couple of years, but given how similar they are and that Tierney is a full 3 years younger, I’m going for our guy. He (and the other youngsters) deserve a team built around them. A few wins doesn’t change the fact that we’re struggling, but this is… Read more »
Poor Scotland, your two best players (arguably ever) are left backs. Surely one plays LW for them?
Kenny Dalglish would like a word…
never heard of him.
Heh.
A confession.
Mari could just be the next Emi Martinez
Hein is the next Martínez. He needs to be the backup.
I think Mari is excellent as well, will be difficult decision for Arteta when Gabriel returns
Hope Mari doesnt go straight out when gabriel returns
Just like Beckham or Bale, they used their phenomenal engine to basically outrun opposition even without the considerable skill.
And in Kieran’s case it’s awesome to see him provide such end product from wide, channel and now inside the box.
He is one player who has melded his game with all his teammates and I wouldn’t be surprised if his force of on field personality brings everyone around him to raise their game and support him, knowing he will 1000% support them back.
Captain material right now.
The one thing I love is his ability to bounce back.
He got done by some skill inside the box and we almost conceded from that cross.
But he was determined to destroy that player and tormented him a few times before his final killer move.
Absolute Marvel Hero stuff
When is he taking the armband you guys think? Needs a couple of seasons to gain seniority?
He’s got time. Chill.
MOTM undoubtedly with his tireless running.
Put so many crosses in. My one criticism still he needs to try and look up before he puts them in. The one he did with fourth goal, Laca put away.
BUT superb solo effort just taking it by the horns and deciding to go direct with nice chop to deceive his out of sort marker.
Of course none of this not predictable given typical Scottish summer weather on hand to provide home warmth for the Flying Scotsman.
…now imagine if he had a Kilt on, would have scored all four.
Fast becoming the best left back we’ve had since Kenny Sansom.
I was going to say Nigel Winterburn, but Tierney has also got Kenny’s leadership skills.
The sooner Arteta wises up to this and gives him the captaincy, the better.
Who knows, it may take some pressure of Auba’s shoulders and allow him the space to concentrate on his own game and his mojo and get back to what he does best – putting the ball in the back of the net.
Two birds with one stone. 😉
There was a guy by the name of Ashley Cole who used to play for Arsenal.
And Kenny Sansom and Nigel Winterburn were infinitely better than that greedy little Chelsea cunt.
“Keiron” lol