Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Christos Tzolis after the new Arsenal signing completed an impressive debut against Coventry City on Friday evening.
The Gunners kicked off their Premier League title defence with a comfortable 3-0 over the Sky Blues at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka both scored in the first half before Martin Odegaard found the net just after the break.
Though Tzolis did not get on the scoresheet, he was Arsenal’s biggest threat in attack before being subbed off in the 76th minute. He took more shots (4) and had more touches in the box (8) than any other player, which he also created three chances. He helped set up Saka’s goal when his low cross was parried by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth into the feet of the right winger.
Arteta hails ‘phenomenal’ new Arsenal signing Tzolis
“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.
“I think he’s earned it. I think the way he has performed in the last few games has been phenomenal.
“What he transmits as a player is so direct, so incisive, constantly. He wants to make things happen and he has an incredible variety of actions in the last 30 metres. I think it’s up to him to make the right decisions. Even the spaces are sometimes really, really small. I’m very happy with him.”
Tzolis joined Arsenal this summer in a £34 million deal with Club Brugge as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas.
Read – Konsa hungry to ‘keep winning’ following £51m Arsenal transfer
Read More – Our writers’ predictions for the 2026/27 Premier League season
See Also – Five of the best Premier League away kits in 2026/27