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Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Kieran Tierney may have been “outraged” by teammate Granit Xhaka after being friendly with Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski, despite the role he played on Nicolas Pepe’s red card.
In a cautious affair at Elland Road, the game took a dramatic turn when Alioski went down after an encounter with Pepe.
The incident was not seen at the time by referee Anthony Taylor, but footage showed that Pepe had tilted his head towards Alioski and, after checking it on the court monitor, Arsenal’s record signing was sent off.
With 10 men, Arsenal survived a few scares to hold on to a crucial point and, at full time, Xhaka and Alioski exchanged words.
(Image: MOLLY DARLINGTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
This seemed to have angered Tierney, who approached Alioski but was pushed by Xhaka before he turned physical.
Tierney’s behavior earned him praise from Arsenal fans on social media and Keown was equally impressed, praising the Scotsman’s spirit and character.
“This is a team that is rebuilding under Arteta. I was impressed by some of the fighting spirit that is displayed,” he told the Daily Mail.
“The way Kieran Tierney was trying to talk to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski full time, the player he saw as the main character in Pepe’s sending off, showed an impressive fighting spirit.
(Image: MICHAEL REGAN / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
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“Tierney also represented that spirit in the game itself. He’s not just behind trying to keep a clean sheet.
“Attack and put in those extra yards for his team.
“Tierney might have been outraged to see Granit Xhaka with her arm around Alioski at the end of the game after what happened.
“I certainly would have felt this way if I had seen one of my teammates practically fraternize with the enemy.
“Xhaka then pushed Tierney away from the situation when he tried to confront Alioski.
“But the dust will settle from that incident. Tierney is the kind of personality Arsenal need on their team.”
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