Kieran Tierney is counting down his days as an Arsenal player.
On Sunday, Tierney came off the bench for Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United, and it is expected to be his final home game before he returns to Celtic.
The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and he is expected to don the colours of his boyhood club again, six years after heading for the Celtic Park exit door for £25 million.
Things haven’t panned out for Tierney in the Premier League as he would have liked, especially these latter years.
From being out on loan to Real Sociedad to becoming a bench player under Mikel Arteta, including this season, despite being fit and available since December.
But despite all that, Tierney is still a much-loved figure, and that was echoed on Sky Sports.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Peter Drury lauds Celtic hero Kieran Tierney in final home game for Arsenal
There is a reason why Tierney is a popular player, not just in Glasgow, but for Arsenal, and that’s the manner in which he plays the game.
It’s always blood and thunder with the Scotland star, and that’s why Peter Drury wanted to show how he has become a ‘beloved’ figure with the Arsenal fans.
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The Sky commentator also explained the reception Tierney was given when he came onto the field of play at the Emirates, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (18/05/25).
“On the subject of signing off,” said Drury. “This might be, it’s unconfirmed, but this might be a farewell performance on this ground for Kieran Tierney.
“Not all of whose Arsenal career has fallen into the dreams he might have had for it. But who has, over his period here, become beloved of Arsenal supporters for his very evident commitment to their cause.
“He would have been involved in 12 of the last 17 Premier League games, having been missing until December. He is a heart and soul man. These minutes are more than sentimental.
“Hear that reception. No fault of his own. He has started just once in the Premier League this year. When he does come into the game, he is met with nothing but warmth.”
Tierney’s Arsenal career in numbers
What is going to be Arsenal’s loss will become Celtic’s gain next season, especially given that it’s not a lack of quality that has brought Tierney down.
The player’s problematic injuries kept bringing him down, and by then, Arteta was going down a different road with his fullbacks.
But this is how Tierney’s career at Arsenal looks in numbers, as he leaves with that FA Cup winner’s medal around his neck.
Club Games Goals Assists FA Cups Community Shields
Arsenal 143 5 14 1 2