Tierney heaps praise on Arsenal and eyes return to Champions League

Kieran Tierney has insisted that Arsenal deserve to be back among Europe’s elite in the Champions League, following their demolition of Standard Leige.

A young Gunners side thrashed Liege 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night, and afterwards new man Tierney spoke of their desperation to return to the top.

Arsenal have not competed in the Champions League since 2015-16, and last season’s fifth-placed finish meant they were once again among the second tier.

Tierney (left, pictured with Hector Bellerin) wants Arsenal back at Europe’s top table soon

Speaking after the win on Thursday, Tierney said: ‘The club is a massive club and deserve to be in the Champions League.

‘We know the ambitions of the club and the supporters and we’re all in it together and hopefully we can do that.

‘We’ve got the potential, we’ve got the ability.’

The players certainly had the ability this week as they thrashed their Belgian opponents to make it two wins from two in the Europa League group stages.

In their first game, they beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 away from home, giving them a +7 goal difference from their opening matches.

If they are to return to the Champions League, though, they may have to rely on a top-four finish in the Premier League… and they are currently just about there.

Tierney is trying to impress Unai Emery enough to secure a place in his league starting XI

After seven matches, the Gunners sit fourth – by virtue of their superior goal difference – and they face Bournemouth this weekend.

Tierney is yet to feature in the league, but is staying positive as he looks to impress manager Unai Emery enough to earn himself a spot.

‘I’m just doing my best every day, I work hard, the manager trusts me and I’m giving 100 per cent,’ he said.