Mikel Arteta issues three-word response to Arsenal injury question as £25m star 'will leave' club

The left-back was utilised as a winger at times during the game, as Arteta continued: "He’s playing to his strengths, that’s something that we have to continue to learn because they give you a lot of information, they tell you not sometimes with their words but with a lot of information, where they feel more comfortable and certainly there is a much better fit for him."

Addressing the eight changes he made to his starting line-up, Arteta added: "I thought it was appropriate and good for the team to make those changes. You are right or wrong in relation to the result basically but I think the players deserve especially some of them who haven’t been playing much to feel important and everything that they earn with their attitude, their behaviours, the way they train, the way they play when they have chances to feel that it’s worth it. So, I’m really happy with that."

Tierney to leave Arsenal

After making his first start of the campaign, reports later in the evening emerged that this will be Tierney's final season at the Emirates. David Ornstein of the Athletic has reported that the player will leave in the summer "at the latest" with a possible move during the January transfer window also on the cards. Tierney's contract is set to expire at the end of the season but it did contain an option for another 12 months. However, Ornstein has claimed that the club will not exercise this, leaving the defender free to hold talks with clubs outside of England from January. He can pre-agree a summer move with foreign teams but would need to wait before holding talks if he had a desire to remain in England.

Arsenal face Crystal Palace for a second-straight game as they make the trip to Selhurst Park for a 5.30pm kick off on Saturday night. After Wednesday's win over Palace, Tierney said: "Feels amazing to be back out at the Emirates! Thank you so much for the reception… always grateful. Onto the semis."