Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised both Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu following Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
Takehiro Tomiyasu turned in a ‘top’ performance off the bench as Arsenal battled back against Chelsea.
That is according to Mikel Arteta, who has moved to praise Tomiyasu following the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal fell 2-0 down before staging a rousing fightback with goals from Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
Arteta will be delighted with his side for battling back – and especially with the impact from his substitutes.
Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu
Arteta made a change at half time, bringing on Tomiyasu for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah came on too before Kai Havertz and Trossard were thrown on as well.
All of those substitutions made a real impact, starting with Tomiyasu.
The Japanese defender looked comfortable moving into midfield, just as Zinchenko does in Arteta’s system.
Havertz offered a focal point, Trossard scored, Smith Rowe showed his midfield versatility and Nketiah almost grabbed a winner.
Arteta moved to hail all of his substitutes whilst drawing attention to a ‘top’ display from Tomiyasu and a ‘big impact’ from Havertz.
“I think Tomiyasu, the way he came on at half-time was top, the way Kai came on and had a big impact, and with Eddie and Emile – that’s what we need,” said Arteta, whilst speaking to Arsenal’s official website.
My view: Tomiyasu is really knocking on the Arsenal door
Tomiyasu impressed in his first season at Arsenal having made a £16million move from Bologna in August 2021.
The 24-year-old faded a little last season though, starting just six Premier League games.
Tomiyasu picked up a controversial red card at Crystal Palace earlier this season but is now seriously knocking on the door.
Tomiyasu played an important role off the bench against Manchester City and has now impressed against Chelsea too.
Zinchenko needs to step his game up quickly – or he could lose his place to Tomiyasu very soon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
