Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool: 4 positives from Carabao Cup exit

4. Kieran Tierney Captaincy Hints at Clarity

Given the context of the evening it might have been overlooked somewhat, but when Lacazette was withdrawn he handed the captain’s armband over to Partey.

The Ghanaian was not going to wear it and asked the manager who it should be given to, and the response was Kieran Tierney.

Does it mean anything? It might not, and people will point to there being no Xhaka or Holding on the pitch, as well as Tierney being on the side where the dugouts were, but it could hint towards the future.

If indeed a permanent captain is appointed in the summer, the list of candidates includes many of the players who were on the pitch at the time: Benjamin White, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have all been touted as possibilities. Whether one feels Odegaard, for example, should be given those duties, the fact it was handed over to Tierney could suggest there is some clarity on the role moving forward.

Does it truly matter who wears the armband? It does mean a lot more on these shores, undoubtedly, and purely from an optics point of view perhaps it does. But Tierney, if it is to be him, fully deserves the role.

Whether he will be given it or not, it will stand as a proud moment for the Scot who has found some of his better form since returning to the side. He’s been a credit to his profession since the minute he walked through the doors, and, whatever may be, you can’t help but feel happy for him, even in those unwelcome circumstances.