Arteta given brutal Gunnersaurus analysis from Arsenal fan after Tierney snub

MIKEL ARTETA is facing calls to SELL Kieran Tierney – from Arsenal’s own fans.

The Scotland international defender – integral to Steve Clarke‘s national team set-up – looked set to return to the Gunners’ team for the first time since last August after a spate of injuries.

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But he watched the 3-0 win over Monaco from the bench.

Arteta had given a clue the injury-ravaged 27-year-old could have a chance of featuring with several other first-team players sidelined.

But he flirted with the wrath of his own fans by leaving the defender out again – playing Thomas Partey in a rare defensive berth and handing kid Myles Lewis-Skelly only his second ever top-team appearance.

And that’s led for frustrated fans to call for a sharp exit.

Not for the manager – but for the defender’s own good.

One said: “Martinelli, Merino, why in the heavens sake did he have Tierney on the bench only to let Partey play his unnatural position!! I don’t get it!”

Another added: “Personally thought a little disrespectful to not give Tierney some minutes tonight but there we are.”

A third said: “Honestly feel sorry for Kieran Tierney. He doesn’t deserve to be frozen out like this, especially with Zinchenko, Tomiyasu and Calafiori injured.”

Arteta had hinted the former Celtic star may get his chance in his pre-match press conference.

He said: “He is ready, he’s training really well and he’s going to have an opportunity for sure.

“The way the team is looking at the moment [with injuries], he is going to do that for that reason and because he’s earned it.

“The way he’s behaved, the way he’s been with us because he’s willing to do it and when that happens, you have to give those opportunities to players.”

But it was simply a watching brief, even when Jullien Timber replaced Lewis-Skelly for the final half hour.

Another fan tweeted: “Poor old Tierney eh. MLS definitely took his chance well. Exciting player.”

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But others raged: “I do not like how Kieran Tierney is being treated at Arsenal. If he cannot get game time then release him. Set him free.”

Another bluntly posted: “Happy for him [Lewis-Skelly], but Arteta would rather play Gunnersaurus than give Tierney minutes.”

Arsenal won the clash 3-0 thanks to a double from Bukayo Saka and a late goal from Kai Havertz.

The win guarantees their place in the Champions League knock-outs and leaves them third overall, behind leaders Liverpool and second-placed Barcelona.

Tierney moved to Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 for a then club record £25m fee.

He spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad before playing for Scotland at this summer‘s Euros.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page