Celtic-linked Kieran Tierney starts for Arsenal but has massive task ahead | OneFootball

Kieran Tierney started his first game for Arsenal since May 2023 this evening as Mikel Arteta’s side host Crystal Palace. The Scotland Internationalist has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during Euro 2024 but has had to hide his time for minutes on the pitch.

In a shuffled Starting XI, Tierney was given the nod to start for Arsenal in his first appearance since August 2023. The former Celtic favourite was helpless as Mateta blundered through the Arsenal defence to score within the opening exchanges to give Oliver Glasner’s side the lead at the Emirates. Throughout the half, Arsenal have huffed and puffed but have failed to breakdown the Palace rearguard. KT and his Arsenal teammates will know they need to up their game if they are to assist in sealing Arsenal’s progress to the next round of the Cup.

Tierney will be eager to impress given that his contract expires next summer, meaning he is free to speak with potential suitors as early as next month over a pre-contract deal. Celtic have been linked with a move for their £25m export in recent weeks and the lack of movement on the Greg Taylor contract renewal front has only increased speculation that Brendan will make a move for KT this coming summer.

Tierney made 170 appearances for Celtic between 2015 and 2019. During his time at the club, he scored 8 goals and provided 37 assists across all competitions.

Tierney was a key player in Celtic’s domestic success under Rodgers, helping them win multiple Scottish Premiership titles, Scottish Cups, and League Cups before departing to England.