Mikel Arteta said he was “very impressed” by Christos Tzolis after the Arsenal winger made his Premier League debut in the 3-0 victory over Coventry.
The 24-year-old Greek started for Arsenal in the opening round of the Premier League and played 76 minutes before being substituted. His appearance marked his first competitive league outing for the London club since completing his move from Belgian side Club Brugge.
Tzolis joined Arsenal at the end of July in a deal worth 40m euros. The winger was brought into the squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign and was selected by Arteta for the meeting with Coventry.
Although Tzolis did not complete the match, he played a part in Arsenal’s successful start to the competition as they secured a 3-0 win. The result gave the London side three points in the opening round, while Tzolis was able to begin his Arsenal career with a victory.
Arteta’s assessment suggests the manager was encouraged by the Greek forward’s first league appearance for the club. The Arsenal boss highlighted his impression of Tzolis after watching the new signing contribute during his 76 minutes on the pitch.
Tzolis’s move from Club Brugge was completed in late July for a fee of 40m euros, making his debut against Coventry his first Premier League match for Arsenal. The 24-year-old was then replaced during the second half as Arteta made a change to his attacking line-up.
For Arsenal, the win provided a positive opening to their Premier League schedule. For Tzolis, it was the first opportunity to play for the club in the competition after his summer transfer.
Arteta’s comments focused on the immediate contribution of the new arrival rather than the transfer fee or the length of his involvement. The manager’s view was clear: after his first 76 minutes in an Arsenal shirt in the Premier League, he was “very impressed” by Tzolis.
The Greek winger will now continue his Arsenal career after making his debut in a match the club won 3-0. His first league appearance included a starting place, 76 minutes on the pitch and a substitution before the final whistle. For a player signed from Club Brugge at the end of July, it was the first step in his Premier League campaign with Arsenal.