Arsenal began the match in a skittish fashion under the fog from half a dozen flares let off in the Zurich away end.

Tierney's jersey almost ripped off by Zurich opponent after his goal lifted Arsenal to top of Europa group

The Gunners needed a win in the match to secure the top spot in the group as PSV had defeated Bodo/Glimt. A draw would have seen Mikel Arteta’s side slip to second in the group and left them facing a round of 32 play-offs with one of the teams dropping down into the Europa League from the Champions League.

Tierney gave Arsenal a first-half lead with an excellent strike from distance, but they had to endure some tense moments after they failed to find a second goal.

Tierney's jersey almost ripped off by Zurich opponent after his goal lifted Arsenal to top of Europa group

The left-back, once labeled a future club captain, was forced to don a new jersey after Nikola Boranijasevic claimed a chunk of it well before the final whistle.

The 30-year-old Serbian was not booked for the incident despite Tierney having the proof to back up a claim of shirt pulling.