Arsenal strike duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were quick to praise Kieran Tierney following his Gunners debut.
The 22-year-old full-back made his first appearance for the club since his summer switch from Celtic in the 5-0 Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
Tierney started the game before later being substituted to a standing ovation at the Gunners’ Emirates stadium.
He took to Instagram immediately after the game on Tuesday to respond to the fans’ reaction.
“Thank you so much for all your support… very grateful,” Tierney said. “Great feeling making my debut!”
And teammates Aubameyang and Lacazette were equally as supportive with their replies.
“Yes my boy,” Aubameyang commented, while Lacazette replied with “Easy K” along with fire emojis.
Tierney’s start to life in north London has been hampered by injury but he has now regained fitness and is in line to feature in Arsenal’s clash with Man Utd on Monday.
The Gunners also welcomed back Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding for the win over Forest.
(Image: Getty Images)
Bellerin came on as a second-half substitute while Holding started the match and grabbed himself a goal shortly after being given the captain’s armband by Mesut Ozil.
Boss Unai Emery said of the trio: “Really for different issues, the competition is important for us and one title, an opportunity for different players to take confidence and minutes.
“I think the game was for us in 90 minutes very consistent.
“Some different players gave us their performance and came back after injuries – Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin.
“This was a good result, a good match, a good game. We can be positive for different options.”
Holding and Bellerin both suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries last season, which have kept them out since the beginning of the year.
Paying tribute to his fellow defender, Holding said: “We made it!! Been a long journey for us both, filled with hard work and being there for each other.”
