Can Former Celtic Academy Starlet Kieran Tierney Lead Arsenal to Glory This Season?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is officially consigned to the history books. In the wake of Argentina’s riveting victory against France in Qatar, Europe’s top leagues are preparing to get back underway. The Scottish Premiership got back underway on December 15th when Rangers beat Hibernian 3-2 at Ibrox. They remain some nine points behind Scotland at the division’s summit, however. And it’s not just the Bhoys that are primed for greatness this year. One of their finest-ever academy products could also be destined for immortality come next May.

As the second half of the Premier League season gets underway, Arsenal’s young Gunners sit at the English top flight’s summit. Kieran Tierney has been one of the North London outfits’ most consistent performers in recent years. This term, however, his role has been relegated to that of a squad player, with Oleksandr Zinchenko being preferred at left back when he’s fully fit.

The 2022/23 season represents the best chance for the league crown to return to the club for the first time since the invincibles of 19 years ago. Online bookmakers such as 888Sport, which provides Premier League and Champions League betting, still make Manchester City the favourites for the crown, however. Pep Guardiola’s Blues are some five points adrift of the Gunners at the top of the English top flight and Mikel Arteta will be hoping to extend that gap once the season gets back underway.

Tierney’s time in London

Since Kieran Tierney made the decision to head south of the border, he has established himself as one of the finest left-backs in the Premier League. A few eyebrows were raised back in 2019 when Arsenal decided to fork out £25m for the services of the young Scottish star. But any fan that attends Parkhead will be fully aware of what Tierney brings to the table.

During the 25-year-old’s three-and-a-half years at the Emirates, he has racked up 108 appearances for the club and has chipped in with five goals and 13 assists. He also started the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final of the FA Cup in his debut season, a cup which Arsenal won when they defeated Chelsea at Wembley. But Tierney could be set to top that this term, and should his Gunners side be able to hold off Manchester City, he will etch his name into the club’s history books, just as he did at Celtic Park.