Mikel Arteta praised Christos Tzolis after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Coventry, with the summer signing quickly making an impression in north London.
Christos Tzolis has wasted no time in making an impression at the Emirates. Arsenal’s new winger has quickly found favour with supporters, and Mikel Arteta says the response is more than deserved.
The 24-year-old was at the heart of things yet again as the Gunners began their Premier League title defence with a straightforward 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday night. Tzolis played a part in two of the goals before making way to a warm ovation in the second half.
That came on the back of an eye-catching competitive debut in the Community Shield, where he set up two goals in the 3-0 win over Manchester City.
Afterwards, Arteta spoke about the buzz already building around the Greek international. He was especially pleased to see a player who has only just arrived connect with the crowd so quickly.
“I love that a player that has been with us just for a few weeks gets this kind of energy every time he’s on the ball,” Arteta said in his post-match press conference.
“I think he’s earned it. I think the way he has performed the last few games has been phenomenal.”
Tzolis looks to have made an immediate impact on Arsenal's left wing. The question is whether he can sustain the level he has set. [REUTERS]
Tzolis looks to have made an immediate impact on Arsenal's left wing. The question is whether he can sustain the level he has set. [REUTERS]
Arteta Impressed by Tzolis' Direct Approach
Tzolis joined from Club Brugge this summer, brought in to give Arsenal another option on the left of Arteta’s front three.
So far, he has shown little hesitation in his game.
Against Coventry, Tzolis was direct and positive, time and again taking on his marker. He played a key part in the move that led to Bukayo Saka doubling the lead in the first half.
Arteta picked out that desire to make things happen, rather than simply keeping the ball moving.
“What he transmits as a player, so direct, so incisive, constantly he wants to make things happen,” Arteta said.
“He has an incredible variety of actions in the last 30 metres to decide and to make the right decisions, even when the spaces are sometimes really, really small. So very, very, very happy with him.”
That directness has given Arsenal something different on the left, with Tzolis starting both competitive games so far.
His early showings have come as Arteta looks to rebuild some of the attacking links Arsenal missed for much of last season.
Saka returned to the starting line-up against Coventry, finding himself on the scoresheet, Kai Havertz made it two in two, and Martin Odegaard added a third soon after the break, already matching his Premier League goals tally from last season .
Arteta also called Havertz exceptional and pointed to the number of decisive individual displays as one of the most satisfying aspects of Arsenal’s opening night.
Mikel Arteta believes Christos Tzolis’ direct running, goal threat and hunger will quickly make him a popular figure at Arsenal.roundtable.ioMikel Arteta Explains Why Arsenal Fans Will Love Christos Tzolis
Mikel Arteta believes Christos Tzolis’ direct running, goal threat and hunger will quickly make him a popular figure at Arsenal.
There are tougher tests to come, starting with a trip to Aston Villa. And with competition for attacking places fierce, early form alone will not guarantee anyone a spot for the long haul.
With a Community Shield and Premier League win under his belt, Arsenal fans already have a sense of what Tzolis can offer the Gunners.
Arteta, too, seems encouraged by what he’s seen so far.