'Massive quality': Mikel Arteta blown away by 24yo Arsenal star after 3-0 win vs Man City
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on winger Christos Tzolis following a sublime performance against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The Gunners won the Community Shield for the 18th occasion after a convincing 3-0 win over the Cityzens at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Tzolis was one of the standout performers.
The left winger had a brilliant pre-season after his move from Club Brugge, with three goal contributions and a penalty won. He had a much better competitive debut against Man City, contributing two assists.
Tzolis got on the right end of Martin Odegaard’s cross with a perfectly cushioned header into Kai Havertz’s path for the second goal. Shortly after the break, he turned provider for Odegaard to make it 3-0.
Aside from his assists, Tzolis also won five duels alongside four recoveries, two interceptions and two tackles. The 24-year-old has made a big impression already, and Arteta was full of praise for him after the game.
Speaking in the post-match presser today, Arteta said: “I think he’s coming to the team really organically; he’s fitting, he’s a really intelligent boy, and he has a massive quality which is when he’s in the last 20-30 metres.
“He’s so composed to pick people out around the box or to finish actions, and he’s shown that again two or three times and he was decisive.”
The Greek had a tremendous 2025/26 season with Brugge. He netted 22 goals and provided 29 assists from 52 appearances. The step up to the Gunners is a bigger challenge, but Tzolis has had a bright start.
The former Norwich City ace made a statement with an assist in either half against Man City. He looks poised to make his Premier League debut against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.
There has been much talk about Arsenal needing a marquee left winger who could start ahead of Tzolis, but the ex-Brugge man has shown that he has the credentials to establish himself as the first choice.
Tzolis may not possess high top speed on the counter-attack but has been brilliant with his positioning and decision-making. He looks a player well suited to unlock low-block defences in the league.
Stats from Sofascore.com
The post 'Massive quality': Mikel Arteta blown away by 24yo Arsenal star after 3-0 win vs Man City first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.