Mikel Arteta has opted to play the left-back in an attacking role over the Chelsea loanee in recent weeks
16:10, 13 Mar 2025
(Image: PA)
Calrton Cole reckons that Arsenal opting to give game time to Kieran Tierney over Raheem Sterling is "disrespectful."
The Scotland international has struggled for regular game time this term - making just 10 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners after returning from his loan at Real Sociedad last summer.
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However, amid an on-going injury crisis at the Emirates, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given Tierney more minutes despite the 27-year-old already agreeing to join Celtic at the end of his contract with the Premier League giants.
.Last weekend, defender Tierney was brought on against Manchester United with Arteta's men chasing a winner and played in the attacking third - while Chelsea loanee Sterling stewed on the bench.
Former Celtic striker Cole told The Dressing Room Podcast: “That’s disrespectful. Raheem is a proper player, we know that. I actually think he did alright at Chelsea, I don’t think he done badly.
“He didn’t suit the club, he’s getting on and they want to get youngsters in. But he’s gone to Arsenal and I was thinking he was going to do well. Forget about all the noise, actions say a lot.
“They needed a goal and he brought on Kieran Tierney instead of a seasoned pro, a goalscorer that might get back on track. He could make something happen. For me, I would say that’s disrespectful.”
Joe Cole chimed in: “Raheem will see it as that, for sure. For me, it didn’t work out for Raheem at Chelsea but I thought Arsenal would have been perfect, it made sense.
“But Arteta’s just not using him. There’s reports coming out that he’s training well and is respected by the coaching staff but if Mikel Arteta is doing that... I feel for him.”
Kieran Tierney will be back at Celtic from Arsenal in the summer
Kieran Tierney will be back at Celtic from Arsenal in the summer
Tierney was handed a surprise start during the Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven - in his first start since penning a pre-contract agreement with Celtic - where he was again deployed on the left-flank.
Sterling was also given the nod on the opposite flank - as the pair impressed in the 2-2 draw as part of an unconventional front three with midfielder Mikel Marino leading the line.
But overall it has been a disappointing campaign for the pair - having struggled to hold down regular spots in the XI. Tierney has been relegated to third choice left-back behind Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
And Arteta has hinted that the Parkhead bound defender won't get getting back in his position any time soon - as he talked up the impact of academy graduate Lewis-Skelly as a long-term left-back.
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The Gunners' boss said: "He can play in both positions (left-back and midfield) and in relation to the player that he plays as a full-back as well, they can interact and if they change positions.
"He was developing in the academy as a six as well, so what he's doing this season is something new for him. I think he was very, very consistent in his actions and I'm really happy with what he's doing."