Celtic: Mikel Arteta's Kieran Tierney decision called disrespectful

In partnership with

FanSided World Football

·13 March 2025

Celtic: Mikel Arteta's Kieran Tierney decision called disrespectful

Celtic will sign Kieran Tierney as a free agent next summer, when his contract at Arsenal runs out. A pre-contract agreement is already in place. It is believed that the club had tried to bring that move forward by signing him on loan in the winter itself but the Premier League team were not ready to let the left-back leave.

Tierney has been getting chances here and there at Arsenal recently. In their most recent game in the Champions League, he started on the wing against PSV. Before that, he was brought on as a substitute in the game against Manchester United at the weekend, as it ended in a 1-1 draw.

OneFootball Videos

Of course, Celtic fans will be happy to see Tierney get some game time before his Arsenal exit. But not everybody appears to agree with the decision to play him.

Arsenal also have Raheem Sterling, on loan from Chelsea. But he was left on the bench as an unused sub against Manchester United, even when Mikel Arteta's side were chasing a goal. And as reported by the Daily Record, Carlton Cole told The Dressing Room Podcast:

"That’s disrespectful. Raheem is a proper player, we know that. I actually think he did alright at Chelsea, I don’t think he done badly.“He didn’t suit the club, he’s getting on and they want to get youngsters in. But he’s gone to Arsenal and I was thinking he was going to do well. Forget about all the noise, actions say a lot.“They needed a goal and he brought on Kieran Tierney instead of a seasoned pro, a goalscorer that might get back on track. He could make something happen. For me, I would say that’s disrespectful."

Celtic: Mikel Arteta's Kieran Tierney decision called disrespectful

On top of his game, Sterling was one of the best players in the Premier League. But we have not seen him perform at that level for quite some time now.

It did not work out for him at Stamford Bridge. And that has been the case since joining Arsenal on loan as well. The England international's last few seasons with Manchester City were not particularly impressive either.

It is probably time to accept that Sterling's best days are behind him. If someone like Tierney can do a better job than him on the wing, then Arteta should definitely play the Scottish left-back instead.