Kieran Tierney has sent a message to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with his latest performance for Real Sociedad. The Scottish defender provided a stunning assist in his most recent display for Sociedad after enjoying a strong start to life in Spain.

Tierney was given permission to leave the Emirates Stadium after falling down the pecking order under Arteta following the arrival of Jurrien Timber in the summer transfer window. Despite the Dutchman sustaining a serious knee injury that will see him sidelined until next year, the Scotland international secured a loan move to Sociedad and he is taking his chance to impress in La Liga.

The 26-year-old is yet to complete a full match for Sociedad as he continues to build up his match sharpness. However, Tierney has featured in all four league matches and has also featured in the Champions League opening game draw with Inter Milan.

There were claims that Tierney was replaced as starting left-back at Arsenal due to his lack of technical ability compared to Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Scottish defender may have ended that argument with his first assist for Sociedad after playing a stunning, defence-splitting pass to find Carlos Fernandez - who turned his man and scored the only goal of the game as the Spanish outfit beat Valencia 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Tierney's stellar display did not end there as he then put his body on the line, blocking a likely Valencia goal minutes before he was withdrawn from the game in the 72nd minute - picking up the man of the match award too. The 26-year-old's contributions helped Sociedad keep their first clean sheet of the season and move them up to fifth in the table.

Reports in the Basque Country hinted the Arsenal loanee had suffered an injury and was facing time on the sidelines. However, Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil put those rumours to bed after admitting Tierney merely needed a rest.

Speaking after the 1-0 win, Alguacil said: "Knock on wood because I don't think we have serious injuries, today I was able to refresh, but everyone ended up dead. Turrientes and Tierney asked for a change, it was Cho and Carlos's first full games.

"Zubimendi and Brais came on later and they were dead. Zubimendi lacked energy.

"I have chosen others who have played less, some even knowing that it was going to take a long time, but the thing is that those who have come off the bench have suffered against 10 men. It is important that everyone contributes because if not it's going to be impossible to keep up with this pace."

You can find this story in   My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.