Kieran Tierney had a light-hearted response to criticism from Gary Neville after Arsenal ’s defeat to Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling scored the game’s only goal after just two minutes, with the cross from Riyad Mahrez for his header coming from Tierney’s side of the pitch.
Mahrez and Kevin de Bruyne appeared to have the beating of Tierney during the game’s early stages, before the left-back began to assert himself.
This was Tierney’s first Premier League game back after suffering a hamstring injury which saw him sidelined for five matches.
Tierney had become a key player under Mikel Arteta, making the left-back position his own this season.
But Sky Sports commentator Neville stated his belief that Tierney’s enforced break had left him looking tired.
“What a tough start to the game Kieran Tierney's had,” he said after Sterling had opened the scoring for City.
“He's looked weary and exposed. City keep pinging it to Mahrez. Arsenal just need to stay in there for now as the level of football they're up against is wonderful.”
Tierney was one of Arsenal’s standout performers despite the defeat, with the Gunners clinging onto a top-half spot. And the Scot had a light-hearted response to Neville’s comments.
"I was just knackered!" Tierney told Sky Sports after the game.
"It was a tough game and I wasn't sure if I was going to get the full game, but I did. It's 90 minutes under my belt and I'm happy for that and happy that the manager gave me the chance again.
“We didn’t start well and that’s what killed us. Against a team like City you can’t afford to not start well, otherwise they’re going to punish you.
“I always believed we could get back into it, we had chances and we were unlucky not to get a goal today.”
