CAPTAIN MATIERIAL
Kieran can be Arsenal skipper says Arteta
ICE-COOL Kieran Tierney is a hot tip to become Arsenal skipper.
The Scot opened the floodgates against West Brom and stood out in the wintry conditions that had team-mate Alexandre Lacazette reaching for gloves and tights.
In the West Midlands snow, the 23-year-old opted for the shortsleeved look – and spent 90 minutes scorching down Arsenal’s left flank.
And boss Mikel Arteta revealed that, even in the most sub-zero conditions in training, Tierney cocks a snook to the footballer’s must-have accessory, the snood.
“He must have something special in his blood because we were all wearing snoods and gloves and hats in training and he just goes there with his shorts and T-shirt,” he said.
“It is not like he is acting or anything. Believe me, he is very comfortable like that.”
A criticism of Arsenal this season is that they lack on-field leaders but Arteta insists the Scotland international is exactly that and he’s backing the former Celtic star to one day wear the Gunners armband.
“Since the moment I joined, I have seen a player with enormous talent and with the perfect attitude and commitment,” said the Spaniard.
“I think he can be Arsenal captain as he has the respect and admiration of every member of the staff and every player.
“It is just the way he is. He does it in a natural way. He is a really shy boy as well but he represents all of the values that we want to instil.
“He can still improve but is a real threat in attack and really solid in defence.
“You see how he behaves on the pitch and when he talks he says the right thing. He is exactly what we are looking for and I am so happy to have him in the team.”
Lacazette was the focal point of Arsenal’s attack at the Hawthorns but there were lots of other impressive performers.
Tierney left Darnell Furlong trailing before bending a superb right-foot shot into the far corner.
Bukayo Saka then made it 2-0 by rounding off a fine, one-touch passing move that involved Lacazette and Emile Smith-Rowe.
After the break, Lacazette completed the Tierney-inspired rout with two close-range finishes.