KIERAN TIERNEY sparked more groans and moans from Arsenal fans as the injury-plagued left-back was taken off just 30 minutes into Saturday’s 5-3 friendly win over Nurnberg.
Boss Mikel Arteta eased Tierney back in his first match after three months out following knee surgery.
And supporters united to insist the Gunners can’t go through another season bedevilled with fitness problems on the left of their defence.
But many fans hit out at some fellow followers – for assuming Tierney was injured again rather than being treated sensibly.
New £45million striker Gabriel Jesus was a scoring sub as he inspired Arsenal’s entertaining victory from 2-0 down.
But joy at Jesus’ immediate impact after switching from champions Manchester City was shared with concern over Tierney.
One fan posted: “Need a reliable first choice LB. Arsenal can’t afford to bank another season on him. He’s off injured again after 30 minutes.”
And another said: “Yeah I’m annoyed that we didn’t go and buy Aaron Hickey who we were linked with. both similar playing style and he can play both Lb and Rb.
“If KT is out we don’t play as well simple as that.”
But others suggested Arteta was just being sensible in giving Scotland star Tierney such a short cameo.
One supporter pointed out: “He came off in the 30th min exactly and he did the same thing last pre season i assume its just to give players some game time he look fine when i watching the game “
Some noted that Tierney warmed down at half-time – suggesting his early withdrawal was all part of his fitness master-plan.
But a more exasperated follower hit out at fans instantly blasting Arteta without knowing Tierney’s true fate.
He posted: “I get the early panic seeing Tierney come off.
“But panic that is so prolonged that people are tweeting about it for the next 10 minutes just shows the ineptitude of this fan base who seem to be ‘able to critique the tactics and decision making of a PL manager’.”
