3 things we learnt about Jakub Kiwior against Chelsea

3. He has the bravery to play for Arsenal

Bravery is one of the most crucial traits needed to play for Arteta’s Arsenal. You must be brave enough to show for the ball, play high-risk football and engage aggressively in duels. Last night, Kiwior did all of those things.

On the ball, he had 71 touches and completed 53/57 (93%) passes, but it was the way he held the ball that was impressive. He was comfortable releasing it quickly, but he was also comfortable taking a couple of extra touches to pick out a better pass.

Along with these numbers, he made four clearances, three interceptions, a blocked shot and one tackle. However, he only won one of five aerial duels which will be a concern going into Newcastle who have a big, physical side that can play in the air and on the deck.

But, perhaps it’s not a bad thing to be coming away with learnings to take into the next game. It was his first Premier League start, and he was thrown into a team desperately out of form and did extremely well.

Alexander Isak will be a very different prospect to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz, who offered nothing throughout, and Arsenal will be going into a cauldron of noise at St James’ but the early signs from Kiwior are very positive.