Kieran Tierney’s hopes of making a triumphant return to Celtic as a Champions League winner have been dashed, with Arsenal in midweek falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition…
The Gunners travelled to Paris needing a famous comeback after last week’s 1-0 loss at home, desperate to keep their hopes alive for a place in the final on 31 May.
But any aspirations of a dramatic turnaround were crushed as Fabian Ruiz’s sublime volley and a composed finish from Achraf Hakimi calmed PSG’s nerves. Despite Bukayo Saka briefly narrowing the aggregate score, the Parisians secured their place in Munich to face Italian champions Inter Milan.
Three medals in six years at Arsenal
Subsequently, Kieran Tierney will leave Arsenal after six years with just an FA Cup and two Community Shields to his medal collection, exemplifying the North London club’s struggles to meet expectations in the Premier League and in Europe.
Despite already committing to a return to Celtic in the summer, KT has played a role in Arsenal’s Champions League knockout run. The 27 year-old saw action against both PSV and Real Madrid, as Mikel Arteta relied on him amid a squad hit hard by injuries.
KT was an unused substitute in both semi-final matches against PSG
However, the Scotland defender remained on the bench for both matches against Luis Enrique’s PSG, watching as the French side advanced to their second ever Champions League final with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Once seen as a potential future captain, Tierney is still highly regarded by supporters and may feature in Arsenal’s final three matches of the season.
Arteta’s men now face the tough task of regrouping for an away clash with newly crowned champions Liverpool, followed by their last home fixture of the 2024/25 season against Champions League chasing Newcastle.
KT expected to receive a heartfelt farewell from Arsenal fans
Tierney is expected to receive a heartfelt farewell from Arsenal fans during that match, ahead of concluding his time in the English Premier League with a final appearance at Southampton.
While it’s not the conclusion Tierney envisioned, the Treble Treble-winning Celtic hero will have the opportunity to add to his trophy haul when he returns to Glasgow’s east end next month.
As Arsenal lose, Ange Postecolgou takes Tottenham to Europa League Final
Arsenal’s bad week got worse last night with their rivals Tottenham, under the leadership of former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou reached the Europa League final in Bilbao after they beat Bodo Glimt 2-0 in the away fixture where the weather looked terrible. Around 400 Tottenham fans went up to the Arctic circle town of Bodo to cheer their team on.
Just 400 Tottenham fans made the journey to Bodo
If that was Celtic we’d have had at least 4000 there! Well done to Ange and the very best of luck in the final against Manchester United. Always wins a trophy in his second season he said? That was used at stick to beat Ange with all season, so the smile on his face if he lifts the trophy will be a joy to behold.
Conor Spence
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