Kieran Tierney thanks Arsenal supporters following debut in Nottingham Forest rout

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Arsenal thrashed Nottingham Forest 5-0 at Emirates Stadium last night to reach the last 16 of the competition. Both sides took the opportunity to play second-string teams and the Gunners prevailed.

Boss Unai Emery made 11 changes from the team which defeated Aston Villa 3-2 on Saturday, choosing to look at some of his fringe players and younger members of his squad.

A brace from Gabriel Martinelli and goals from Rob Holding, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson ensured a comfortable passage into the next round.

All eyes were perhaps on Arsenal’s left-back, however. Kieran Tierney has been sidelined with an injury since his £25 million (BBC Sport) move from Celtic but made his eagerly-awaited debut last night.

The 22-year-old looked every inch a class act against Championship opposition. Of course, the proof of whether or not he will be a success will be dependent on his Premier League form but last night was a good start.

Despite his tender years, Tierney made 170 appearances for the Hoops, winning several trophies during his time at Celtic Park.

The flying left-back marauded forward with ease last night and following the game he took to Twitter to speak of his delight at finally pulling on the red and white strip:

Future

The challenge for Tierney now has to be to force his way into Emery’s selection for the Premier League. Sead Kolasinac has occupied the left-back spot so far this season and winning a place won’t be easy.

Arsenal probably didn’t sign Tierney as a backup, however. It seems likely that sooner rather than later supporters will see him make his league debut.

Next up for the Gunners is Manchester United at Old Trafford next Monday. It remains to be seen whether the new recruit will get more minutes under his belt for his new club.