The Astonishing Rise of Kieran Tierney: Unveiling Arsenal's Tactical Renaissance under Mikel Arteta
Kieran Tierney's move to Real Sociedad on loan marks a pivotal moment in Arsenal's tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta Don't miss the Arsenal vs Man Utd clash live on Sky Sports Premier League at 4pm
The story started with a Tesco bag. Here we are in June 2020, and Arsenal finds themselves at Bramall Lane facing Sheffield United in an FA Cup quarter-final. It was a challenging match for the visitors, with Dani Ceballos ultimately delivering a stoppage-time winner to secure their spot in the semi-final.
Kieran Tierney was adjudged the player of the match but it was his showing off the pitch that turned heads.
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Tierney gained cult status among Arsenal fans during the quarter-final match in Sheffield when he was seen entering the stadium carrying only a Tesco carrier bag, a stark contrast to the typical trend of players sporting designer handbags. This unique choice of accessory was embraced and celebrated by the supporters, further solidifying Tierney's reputation as a standout player for the Gunners.
His pivotal role in Arsenal's victorious FA Cup campaign that year, which not only contributed a crucial assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's winning goal in the semi-final against Manchester City, but also solidified his position as a beloved figure among the fans.
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During the course of the following two years, the Scottish left-back underwent significant growth and emerged as the emotional heart of the Arsenal project. Manager Mikel Arteta found in him the very embodiment of the dedication he expected from his players, as he worked towards transforming the club's culture. With his unfailing adherence to instructions, he proved to be the ideal conduit for the manager's vision on the field.
Being a key member of Arsenal's leadership group, Tierney became a prominent contender for the club captaincy when Aubameyang departed in January 2022. Demonstrating his leadership qualities, Tierney took on the role of captain for the first time in the Premier League during a match at Villa Park in March of that year. This occurred as Alexandre Lacazette, who had been temporarily appointed captain until the end of the season, was substituted at half-time.
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Tierney wears the armband for Arsenal at Villa Park
Tierney's Arsenal career reached its peak that afternoon, only to be followed by a knee injury that would necessitate surgery and force him to miss the remainder of the 2021/2022 season. Upon his return in July, the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko at the club pushed Tierney to the sidelines. Despite Zinchenko's struggles with injuries in the previous season, Tierney failed to secure a place in the first team.
He started in 27 Premier League matches during the 2020/2021 season and 22 matches in the 2021/22 season. However, his participation drastically declined last year, with only six starts. It was not unexpected when he recently agreed to a one-year loan deal with Real Sociedad, indicating his decline in status. The news was shared on Twitter.
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Tierney's journey mirrors Arsenal's tactical evolution of the past year, with Arteta shifting away from the defensive three-man backline of his early years and embracing a dynamic and forward-thinking approach.
The presence of an overlapping left-back delivering crosses into the box is no longer necessary in the team's setup. Zinchenko's seamless transition into midfield and his contribution to the attacking buildup is indispensable to the system, with some considering him as the very essence of it.
Tierney's lack of suitability in the current team can be attributed to both his passing ability and inflexibility in movement. Throughout his four seasons in the Premier League, his pass completion rate did not exceed 77.3%. In contrast, Zinchenko has consistently maintained a pass completion rate of no less than 86.4% in his six full seasons in the league.
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Kieran Tierney and Zinchenko's playing styles compared
Tierney never lacked attitude or application, despite being demoted in the pecking order. It is important to note that his departure was solely due to tactical reasons, as Arsenal transitioned from a gutsy approach to a more tactical one, making him collateral damage.
He is not the first player to fall victim to Arteta's ruthless streak. Mesut Ozil, Emiliano Martinez, Bernd Leno, and Aubameyang have all endured the same fate. While Arsenal should be commended for fine-tuning their squad, their inability to generate funds for surplus players is beginning to seem more like a characteristic than a mere trend.
Consider the fact that since 2019, the £122.5m Arsenal have received in player sales is the lowest among the top six in the Premier League.
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The struggles in this department are evident through the sale of Bernd Leno last summer. Despite making 125 appearances for the club, Arsenal only managed to sell the German goalkeeper to Fulham for a disappointing £8m, after signing him from Bayer Leverkusen for £22.5m in 2018. In contrast, Liverpool successfully sold Danny Ward to Leicester for £12.5m in 2018, despite him having only made three first-team appearances.
During that same summer, Marseille made a similar agreement with Arsenal, signing Matteo Guendouzi for a mere £10m. Guendouzi had previously played on loan at Marseille, playing an integral role in helping them secure a spot in the Champions League. In 2021, he made his debut for the French national team and ultimately earned a spot in Didier Deschamps' World Cup squad, even starting in their final group game against Tunisia.
Another concerning factor for the Arsenal management is the increasing trend of players finding contract termination as their preferred way out when they are no longer part of the manager's plans. From Willian to Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Shkodran Mustafi, the Gunners have had to pay the contracts of eight players since 2019.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has received a payout from his contract with Arsenal. Despite Arsenal's progress, they are facing difficulties in creating room for new players. Currently, the squad consists of 31 players, with no resolutions yet for Albert Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares, and Nicolas Pepe. Nuno Tavares, who was on loan at Marseille last season, is nearing a loan move to Nottingham Forest, and Rob Holding has drawn interest from Luton for a potential signing.
Folarin Balogun stands out as the rare success in Arsenal's history of underwhelming player sales, with Monaco securing the 22-year-old academy graduate for a substantial £34m.
As Mikel Arteta strategizes for Arsenal's ascent to the pinnacle, it is inevitable that more cherished and skillful players like Balogun and Tierney will be let go. However, receiving substantial transfer fees for their departures would help alleviate the impact of their exits.
