Arsenal’s established stars grabbed the headlines against Coventry City, but Christos Tzolis continued his impressive start to life in north London with another influential display.
Arsenal began their Premier League title defence in emphatic fashion, beating newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were on the scoresheet as Mikel Arteta’s side made an immediate statement. Yet among the standout performers was £34 million summer signing Christos Tzolis, whose involvement in Arsenal’s second goal underlined the attacking threat he can provide this season.
Tzolis continues impressive start
Tzolis played a major role in Saka’s goal, delivering the cross that allowed the England international to finish.
It was another lively performance from the Greece international, who has quickly adapted to Arteta’s system following his move from Club Brugge.
His display also earned strong praise from Arsenal captain Odegaard.
“He’s amazing, he played a brilliant game,” Odegaard told BBC Sport, as relayed by Sports View.
“He’s so lively. It’s hard to defend against him. He’s a really intelligent player. He always looks up and finds the right pass.”
The comments underline the qualities Arsenal have identified in the 24-year-old. Tzolis offers direct running, movement in tight areas and an ability to make decisions quickly in the final third.
Those characteristics were already evident during his time in Belgium, where he registered 17 goals and 23 assists during a title-winning campaign with Club Brugge.
He has carried that form into his Arsenal career.
Tzolis supplied two assists in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and has continued to look comfortable within Arteta’s attacking structure.
Arteta has another attacking weapon
Arteta has previously highlighted Tzolis’ directness and his willingness to make things happen around the opposition penalty area.
That combination gives Arsenal another option alongside Saka and their central attacking players as they attempt to retain the Premier League title while improving on their recent Champions League campaigns.
The early evidence suggests Tzolis can provide more than squad depth. His ability to stretch defences and create opportunities from wide areas gives Arsenal another attacking dimension.
For a side looking to compete on multiple fronts, his emergence could prove particularly important across a long season.
Read More: Julian Alvarez leaves door open to Arsenal as Barcelona move hits fresh obstacle
Odegaard, meanwhile, insisted Arsenal are not approaching the campaign with a defensive mindset despite winning the Premier League last season.
“We don’t feel we have to defend anything,” he added. “We want to do it again. We want to attack it and fight for it again.”
Arsenal have made the ideal start. With Tzolis continuing to settle and the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Havertz already contributing, Arteta’s attack has begun the campaign with clear intent.
Aston Villa provide the next test, with Arsenal now looking to build on their opening-night performance and maintain the momentum of their title defence.
1 Comment
The early evidence suggests Tzolis can provide more than squad depth. His ability to stretch defences and create opportunities from wide areas gives Arsenal another attacking dimension.