Kieran Tierney says Unai Emery can be sure he has the support of his playing staff despite the poor run of form Arsenal currently find themselves in. The Spaniard has come in for widespread criticism during a run that has seen the Gunners win just once in their last seven games. Despite the discontent amongst the clubs supporters, the former Celtic man has spoken out defending his boss.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, Tierney said “It is up to us as players to correct it on the pitch. For me, [Emery] has been brilliant since I’ve come in. I have learned a lot. I am learning a lot every day, playing with great players. Everybody in the changing room has got belief in each other and the manager.
“[I’ve learnt about] his style of play. He likes to keep the ball, pass the ball with a possession type game and for me, I am just learning and working on my technique with him.
“I am working on passing and crossing – everything in general. I am working with the coaches as well, so just all round I am learning. Of course [it’s making me better] and the players around me are making me a better player as well. I am just learning and I am enjoying every week.”
He added: “Everybody is trying to stay as positive as they can. We know there is a lot going on that people are talking about.
“But we just need to forget about all that and concentrate on us, on bouncing back, and on giving the fans something to cheer about.
“In football it doesn’t always go your way, but we have got another chance on Saturday [against Leicester].
“We knew it was going to be hard [last night] with the conditions and how organised they are. To concede late on again is not good enough and we need to correct this.”
TIF Tactics – A much-needed boost from one of his stars
Emery will be pleased to hear one of his most talented players publicly backing him and his methods. Thankfully, for the 48-year-old, the Gunners’ current league position isn’t disastrous and they will still be confident of progressing from Group F in this seasons Europa League.
Arsenal could potentially close the gap on Chelsea and Leicester City to three points this weekend and a positive result at Leicester City would give the team a huge boost. Emery’s back is certainly up against the wall and he’ll probably feel as though the world is closing in around him but his position hasn’t become untenable just yet.
For Tierney, who is rated at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, he will be looking to get more regular action under the Spaniard now that he has returned from the injury he had whilst at Celtic, and will look to build on the eight appearances that he has already made for the Gunners (Transfermarkt).
If he can get back to the form he showed whilst playing for his previous club, then Arsenal could be in for a treat as he could help with additional creativity down the left (having assisted 37 goals for the Bhoys), whilst he could help to sure up the defence as well.