Celtic hero Kieran Tierney gives fans a scare on first Arsenal start for months

IT was the last sight Arsenal fans wanted to see as Kieran Tierney returned to the Gunners starting line-up for the first time in a whopping NINETEEN months.

The Scotland and Celtic hero went down after glancing over at manager Mikel Arteta, appearing to rub his shin as concerned team-mates checked on his status.

2

But judging by the way he got up and walked off, his early departure from the action on the 69th minute was only precautionary.

He earned a huge ovation from the Emirates crowd and a big hug from manager Mikel Arteta,

And he can feel more than pleased with his evening’s work after such a long absence.

This was no easy outing, not least when Palace raced into a shock third minute lead.

This was Tierney’s first competitive action of any kind since limping out of Euro 2024 duty with Scotland.

And it can’t come at a better time with the transfer window set to re-open in a fortnight’s time – and some massive games for Scotland on the horizon in the Nations League play-offs and World Cup qualifiers.

This was Tierney’s first appearance for Arsenal since last season’s Community Shield defeat to Man City – and his first start since a 3-0 defeat to Brighton the May before.

It was the kind of performance which suggested he had never been away, as he defended with his usual concentration and made numerous bursts forward.

Going off at 1-1 as Arsenal chased the game, the hero ultimately proved to be striker Gabriel Jesus, who bagged a fine hat-trick.

That took the game away from Palace despite goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

But it was the manner of Tierney’s leaving – to be replaced by young Myles Lewis-Skelly – which most concerned fans.

One wrote: “Kieran Tierney with his first start in nearly 2 years, a good performance and then gets injured. He can’t catch a break.”

A second said: “Kieran Tierney starts for after a long long time, down injured again. That could be the end of his Arsenal career.”

But just perhaps he did enough to prove that he could have a bigger part to play.

One comment on X read: “Kieran Tierney seems to be saying that he is ok, clearly a precautionary change and good to see him back playing.”

Another wrote: “I suspect it might be one of his last appearances for Arsenal but well done Kieran Tierney.

“Very good performance and hopefully showed Arteta that type of player is still a valuable option.”

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