Arsenal and Kieran Tierney: The man as wonderful as the player

Kieran Tierney has impressed greatly in his first two starts since signing for Arsenal in the summer. But what equally as wonderful is his character.

The game was over. Arsenal knew it. Standard Liege knew it. Gabriel Martinelli even knew it, as did every baying supporter in the Emirates after settling into a nice evening’s entertainment. But that did not stop a steaming challenge cleaning out the young Brazilian as he embarked on yet another mazy attacking dribble.

Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — Welcome to the big time, Bukayo Saka

In reality, it was a late tackle, but nothing especially egregious. But Arsenal did not like it. In particular, Matteo Guendouzi, who had been on the pitch but a matter of minutes, captain Hector Bellerin, and Kieran Tierney, who was making just his second appearance for the club, did not like it. And they made it known.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Tierney was the first there. He pushed the Liege player away, stood right up to his face and defended his injured teammate. There was an immediate act of aggression, but it was not wild and untamed. It was controlled, impassioned, yes, but not rash.

It was a peek into his character as a footballer. Tierney plays with an air of physicality and fight that Arsenal have typically lacked. He has more than happy to scrap his way through 90 minutes as he is to play it.

And after the Liege match, he unveiled another side to his personality: his wort ethic. Speaking to the press, when asked about his personality and his commitment to the team and the game, which were made quite evident throughout his first two appearances, Tierney said:

"“I just give 100 per cent. That is all I can do. It is the only goal I set for myself and I would be doing my family an injustice and the club an injustice if I didn’t give 100 per cent. I am just going to bring myself. I don’t compare myself to anybody else. As I said, I work 100 per cent every day. If it is good enough, it is good enough. If not, it’s not for a lack of trying. I don’t set goals. I work 100 per cent every day and see where that takes me.”"

There has been plenty of praise for Tierney’s performances thus far — and for good reason. He created a team-high four chances on Thursday night, already has an assist to his name, and has looked like the perfect modern-day full-back, surging up and down the left side throughout his time on the pitch. But his character is equally as wonderful as his quality.

The Celtic defender was praised for his leadership skills while in Scotland. Some have already tipped him to become a future Arsenal captain. He talks frequently on the pitch, he communicates with the young players, he fights for his teammates and he understands and relishes the passion of the supporters. And above all, he is willing to work hard, on and off the pitch.

Tierney the player has proven himself to be wonderful thus far. But Tierney the man is not far behind either.