Kieran Tierney has been handed a surprise role in Arsenal’s starting eleven for their Champions League last 16 second-leg clash against PSV Eindhoven at The Emirates. The left-sided player has been named in Mikel Arteta’s front three, lining up on the left wing rather than his usual position at left-back.
Arsenal hold a commanding 7-1 aggregate lead from the first leg in Eindhoven, giving Arteta the chance to rotate his squad. Tierney, who has found opportunities limited this season, starts in an advanced role as Arsenal look to see out the tie comfortably.
Kieran Tierney
Soccer Football – Europa League Round of 32 First Leg – Celtic vs Zenit Saint Petersburg – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Britain – February 15, 2018 Celtic’s Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney after the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
The 27-year-old signed a pre-contract agreement with Celtic back in January, confirming his intention to return to Glasgow in the summer. Arsenal decided to keep him at the club until the end of the current campaign, rather than agree to an early release. The length and terms of Tierney’s contract with Celtic are still to be confirmed by the club.
Celtic fans will be keeping a close eye on Tierney’s fitness over the coming months. With the defender set to link up with Brendan Rodgers’ squad in the summer, supporters will be hoping he gets through the remainder of Arsenal’s season without any injury setbacks.
Tierney’s arrival will add real quality and depth to Celtic’s defensive options.
In the meantime, his deployment on the wing for Arsenal is an unusual sight. While Tierney has experience playing further forward as a wing-back, seeing him operate as part of a front three at this level is a rarity.
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