Christos Tzolis just keeps getting better and better for Arsenal

Christos Tzolis enjoyed a brilliant debut pre-season for Arsenal and he built on that as he made his first competitive appearance in his side's 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City.

The Greek winger started the game on the left wing and played the full 90 minutes to provide two assists and make a great impact in attack as the Gunners put on a dominant display against the side they beat to the Premier League title last season.

There were some questioning the signing of Tzolis and many felt he wouldn't be the deadly left winger Mikel Arteta's side need, but he has certainly made a case to be one of the team's most important players with some outstanding showings in his early days donning the red and white.

Christos Tzolis just keeps getting better and better for Arsenal

Tzolis' pre-season campaign caught the eye of many as he started in three of Arsenal's four games, playing a big part in each. He netted in a 4-1 win over Girona before assisting against Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund, following those up with scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over Como.

Performing well in friendlies is one thing, but the Greece international still had a point to prove as he made his competitive debut against City in the Community Shield, but he certainly did that with a standout display on the left wing.

He was involved instantly as he played a part in the build-up to his side's opening goal after just 24 seconds before he grabbed an assist when he set up Kai Havertz for the second near the half-hour mark. He then provided another to Martin Ødegaard with a good pass just after the break.

That wasn't all for Tzolis though as he also had six touches in the City box, created two big chances, and also helped out in defence with three tackles, two interceptions and four recoveries.

Tzolis has had a brilliant start to life with the Gunners, but will still have some work to do as he looks to prove himself in the Premier League, having failed to do so during his spell in the top flight when he made 14 appearances for Norwich City in the 2021/22 season.

He looks more than capable of doing so however and his first five games for Arsenal should earn him a starting spot on the left flank in Friday's season opener against Coventry City. With Gabriel Martinelli's future uncertain and no clear targets for the wing named, Tzolis has a good chance to nail himself as Arteta's first-choice on the left.

The former Club Brugge is getting better and better as he adapts to his new side and he is already looking like he is very much worth the £34million the Gunners paid to bring him to North London from Belgium. If Tzolis keeps performing at the rate he currently is, he could be one of the league's best wide players in no time.

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