Kieran Tierney’s C-word blast at Benfica star overheard during Arsenal’s win

Kieran Tierney has quickly become a fans' favourite among the Arsenal faithful – and he once again showed his passionate side during Thursday night's Europa League clash.

Mikel Arteta's side were minutes away from going out on away goals when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 87th-minute strike earned them a 3-2 win on the night and a 4-3 aggregate victory over Benfica.

They cut it mighty fine, however, after a dreadful mistake by Dani Ceballos just past the hour mark allowed Rafa Silva to put Benfica 2-1 ahead, meaning Arsenal required two goals to avoid a defeat that would have left their season in tatters.

Aubameyang had put Arsenal ahead from Saka's pass but Benfica levelled through Diogo Goncalvez's superb free kick.

Ceballos gifted Benfica their second goal but Tierney's reply and Aubameyang's header, from another Saka assist, saved the day.

And it wasn't just the result that got fans talking, with Tierney appearing to aim a foul-mouthed insult at his Benfica rival as the Gunners' chased a winner.

With just six minutes remaining, and the score 2-2, Benfica forward Darwin Nunez went down after a challenge from Tierney – and shouted in pain.

But the Scottish defender felt there wasn't any contact – and he certainly made his feelings known.

With no fans inside the ground in Athens, the television cameras overheard Tierney shouting: "You're a f****** diving c***, man."

Ultimately, Tierney had plenty to smile about as Aubameyang's header with three minutes remaining was enough to swing the tie in favour of Arsenal.

This was Arsenal's 'home' leg but due to current coronavirus travel restrictions it was played 2,000 miles away at the Gerogios Karaiskakis Stadium.

After the win, Tierney insisted Arsenal's late Europa League win over Benfica proves the Gunners can triumph through adversity.

"We all make mistakes all the time," Tierney said after the win.

"Sometimes they get punished and sometimes they don't but in European competition they are going to (get punished) and they did.

"We bounced back the best way we possibly could and I think it is a good step for us to show we can face adversity, come back and go through.

"We never seem to do it the easy way. But credit to the boys we had some tough moments out there and some setbacks but to bounce back, score and go through to the next round is all that matters."

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