Mikel Arteta admits Kieran Tierney when Arsenal boss removes his “love” for his left back

Radiant Mikel Arteta described Kieran Tierney as “one of the positive aspects” of his early Arsenal reign.

The 38-year-old faces the daunting task of turning the big boys of the Premier League around, but after two wins in the spin, the mood is high.

And Arteta expects Tierney to only get better in the coming weeks after starting three games after the shoulder injury that left him paused before the lockdown.

The Spaniard also believes that the return to the form of the former Celtic star is a good sign for the Gunners who are evolving.

He said: “It has been one of the positive things since joining, just to get to know him a little bit, his character and the way he trains, how he pushes himself is exactly what we need.

“He’s the kind of player I love and I’m very happy with him. He’s had some really difficult moments since joining the club, but he’s much happier now, he’s settled in.”

In the meantime, Arteta believes patience will be key as fans urge William Saliba to get a longer run in North London next season.

The 19-year-old had signed a £ 25m contract from St. Etienne last summer before returning to his former club for one season on loan.

But the center-back will get a chance to make his claim and help repair the shaky rearguard that Arsenal has hit in recent years.

He added: “I have spoken to him a few times, he has been here a few times.

“We have followed his season.

“As a young player, he had a difficult season with his injuries, but that’s part of his process.

“I know what the expectations for him are for next year, but we have to take into account what age he is and what he has done in the past, and make sure that we create the right environment for him he can continue to grow as a player. “