Kieran Tierney captained Arsenal to victory over Brentford yesterday, albeit for a very short period, amid confusion over who is second in command at the Emirates.
The Scotland international and former Celtic defender was given the armband in the 84th minute of the clash after Granit Xhaka seemed to refuse it from Eddie Nketiah, who had come on in place of captain for the day Alexandre Lacazette.
However, boss Mikel Arteta explained that Xhaka - who was stripped of the captaincy under Unai Emery reign after a fallout with the Gunners support - was merely following protocol as Muirhouse man Tierney was next in line for the role.
Asked about the situation in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Arteta said: "It's because Kieran was the next in line, that’s why.
"Maybe Eddie didn't pick it up [who was to get the armband] and Granit told him you have to give it to Kieran. That's it."
Lacazette has been installed as the new captain following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move to Barcelona in the January transfer window and it appears now that Tierney - a big fan favourite - is very much vice-captain at the club.
It comes amid speculation that 24-year-old Tierney is a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid after regularly producing outstanding displays for the Gunners and his national side.
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