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Kieran Horn

Why Kieran Tierney was behind Mikel Arteta and Granit Xhaka viral Arsenal moment at Tottenham

Arsenal's excellent performance in the North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday was somewhat overshadowed by the scenes at full-time that saw a Spurs supporter kick Aaron Ramsdale in the back. The incident occurred after the Gunners keeper turned to the South Stand at the full time whistle and kissed the Arsenal badge before being confronted by Richarlison.

It has since been confirmed a 35-year-old man has been charged with assaulting an Arsenal player after the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That was not the only notable incident that occurred post-match in north London, however, with one other capturing Gabriel Martinelli throwing an Arsenal scarf onto the Tottenham Spidercam.

But, perhaps the one that garnered the most attention was Mikel Arteta's reaction relayed in four parts to Granit Xhaka's decision to turn around and walk back into a brawl. Many of the other Arsenal players had already headed over to the other corner of the ground to celebrate with the travelling support, but Arteta quickly changed his direction as well to potentially stop Xhaka from doing anything he may regret.

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Arteta is walking alongside Ramsdale before his attention quickly alters to ensuring Xhaka does not involve himself in an unnecessary scuffle. While to many it appeared that the 30-year-old was perhaps still arguing with a Spurs player or staff member, the real reason for his sudden decision to turn around now appears to have been revealed.

A new angle of the incident, caught in the rafters of the South Stand, shows Kieran Tierney at the back of the Arsenal squad heading to celebrate with their supporters before he is swarmed by a number of Spurs players and coaching staff members.

Upon seeing this develop, Xhaka heads back to the large group in order to try and get Tierney away from what looks to be well over 10 Spurs representatives arguing with the Scotsman.

Arteta, of course, is unaware of this and perhaps his instinct regarding Xhaka and on-pitch disagreements kicked in, with the Spaniard, along with several other coaches, dashing over to stop the Switzerland international from possibly making a rash decision.

Tierney does eventually escape from the predicament, but Xhaka's fierce loyalty to his teammate is shown by his decision to intervene.

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