The phrase 'cult hero' is, perhaps, a title contender when it comes to football cliches.
But Kieran Tierney's passion for the Arsenal cause underlined with a humble streak which included rocking up to Bramall Lane with his stuff in a Tesco bag. That certainly gets the diehards onside. The little things mattered more to a vexed fanbase who even 18 months ago believed the Gunners good days were merely a thing of yesteryear. So Tierney's grounded streak was a 'every little helps' scenario while searching for someone to believe in. But now a report suggests the £25m Scotland international could be headed for the exit door in the summer.
Despite remaining a key man under Mikel Arteta it's become clear Oleksandyr Zinchenko is the first choice left-back for an Arsenal aiming for their first Premier League title in 19 years. Only four starts for the former Celtic man in the Premier League will be a blow, of course, but Tierney's commitment to the cause cannot be questioned. And he is in the mix for a start against Manchester City in their FA Cup clash on Friday night.
Tierney has an enviable list of Arsenal admirers with the likes of Ian Wright, Martin Keown and and Lee Dixon extolling the virtues but they have also noted Zinchenko's ability to move into midfield seamlessly as a key aspect behind Arsenal's unexpected push for the title.
And what about Arsenal punters? If outsiders think Tierney could be parted with easily that doesn't appear a view reflected among a host of regular posters on multiple Gunners forums. Here's what supporters have been saying.
Cake Brigadier said: "There’s a part of my brain that still thinks as good as we are right now, the second half of the season we will have a target on our back. The analysts at every team are gonna be working on ways to stop us and Tierney might be just the x-factor we need to change games and do unexpected things so we aren’t predictable."
Tonberry Cranberry added: "He saw us through the darkest of times. And I think there's no doubt that his mentality is the epitome of this new Arsenal side. It's a shame he doesn't fit the tactical model."
Stevietheu stated: "He is a stud in terms of mentality. That might be the hardest thing to let go of. But you see what Zinny did last game. That's the expectation. Granted I don't know who else can play that role in reserve, but we played incredible last game, and if that's the blueprint, he does not fit it. I want KT on this team. He's an animal. We need a shirt tucked in, short sleeve in the cold, bark at your teammates type player especially in cup matches. But if he desires more playing time, he deserves it! He's now the second fiddle but that shouldn't be a damning thing with him. He can succeed at so many places. He can succeed with us. I want him to find what fits for him. Would love him to still be here."
SundayLeagueStocko said: "No surprise there - he's a valuable asset that doesn't fit our playstyle. I'd expect there will be plenty of interest from PL clubs and top European clubs. He wont want to stay for a bench role, and presumably, we'd be happy to take the cash and spend elsewhere."
JimmyCocoboloDesk added: "He doesn’t fit our play style because we use inverted full backs now and he’s more of a touchline overlapping one. He was perfect when we had a LW cutting in (ESR or Auba) there was even a point our main outlet was Xhaka -> Tierney but now both wingers are instructed to stay high and wide in the buildup Zinchenko will always be preferred when fit."
The verdict is clear – Tierney's dedication to the Arsenal cause is truly valued, however, the rip-roaring success of Zinchencko has added an extra element to Arsenal this season in their pursuit of title glory. Tierney's tigerish streak makes a comeback to the first XI a real possibility but a section of their support believe the summer may offer a chance for both player and club to go in a new direction.
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