Martin Keown backs Kieran Tierney to cement his status as a regular under Mikel Arteta once more

Martin Keown believes Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has made a strong statement of intent to once again become a fixture under Mikel Arteta following his former side’s home win over FC Zurich.

The Scot scored the only goal of the game in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over their Swiss counterparts, with Tierney’s 17th minute difference in the Europa League clash.

Arsenal fullback Tierney ran on a bouncing ball before unleashing a thunderous effort that sailed past the sprawling Zurich goalkeeper Yanick Brecher.

Gunners fullback Kieran Tierney scored the only goal of the game with a 17th minute strike

Arsenal fullback Tierney (center) scored his first goal in 11 months as the Gunners held on

The Scot celebrates his goal against FC Zurich as Arsenal claim victory in London

After the game, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown praised Tierney’s stunning goal and supported the defender to cement his place in the Gunners starting squad.

‘[On goal] It’s a message about the strength of the squad, but also a message to the manager, isn’t it? to say, “I’m here if you need me,” Keown said on BT Sport.

“Maybe he should play now. It’s a real shame that Tomiyasu came in and got injured, but look what’s in reserve.’

Martin Keown has backed Tierney to become a fixture again under the Arsenal manager

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta praised Tierney for showing his maturity against Zurich

“The way he celebrated the goal, he’s basically saying ‘don’t forget me’, he’s been told to be patient, but he’s talking on the pitch

“His goal tells you the strength of the squad, but frankly it also tells you Kieran Tierney’s attitude because he’s been out for so long and seen people play.

“I’m a really big fan of Tierney, we were talking about captain equipment last year. I think he had to show a lot of determination when he was third pick for much of the season, he’s not really third pick, he’s come up in 10 or 11 games.

His brilliant attack gave the Gunners a hard-fought win, putting them at the top of their Europa League group and advancing to the round of 16 of the competition.

It marked the 25-year-old’s first goal in 11 months, his last in Arsenal’s 5-0 defeat to Norwich on Boxing Day.

Japanese left-back Takehiro Tomiyasu was pulled out of injury after being substituted on

Since then, Tierney has been in and out of Mikel Arteta’s squad with injuries plaguing him to become a regular base player under Arteta.

The only blot on Arsenal’s successful night was an injury to Japanese fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was taken off the field injured in the closing moments of the game, just 15 minutes after being introduced from the bench.

Arsenal boss Arteta praised the goalscorer after the game as the Spaniard insisted the fullback had shown maturity in overcoming injuries to fight for a place in his squad.

“I think he was really good and Kieran showed a lot of maturity, he respected the decisions we have to make, he did a really good job and scored a great goal to help us win the game and that’s what we like.” demand him. the players ready to make a difference.’