Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has expressed his admiration for new Gunners signing Christos Tzolis following the team’s dominant 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday. The 24-year-old winger, who previously competed in the Premier League with Norwich City, made an immediate impact by recording two assists during the match in Cardiff.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta showed faith in the new arrival by placing him directly into the starting XI. The decision paid dividends almost immediately, as Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring within the first 25 seconds. Tzolis later set up Kai Havertz for a goal, leaping high to head a cross from Martin Odegaard into the path of the German forward after getting behind defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Greece international continued his productive performance just three minutes into the second half, delivering a precise pass from the left flank to find Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard inside the penalty area, effectively sealing the result. Gibbs highlighted the club’s summer transfer business as a major success, specifically identifying the acquisitions of both Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes as excellent moves.
Reflecting on the new additions, Gibbs praised Guimaraes for his aggressive style and progressive passing, while describing Tzolis as an efficient player who is constantly looking to hurt the opposition. These sentiments were echoed by manager Mikel Arteta, who commended the winger’s display and encouraged him to maintain that level of quality as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Arteta expressed confidence that the forward possesses the necessary consistency to replicate his Community Shield form throughout the league campaign. Arsenal is now turning its attention to the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season, where they are scheduled to face newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium this coming Friday. As the transfer window remains open, it remains to be seen if the club will pursue further additions to the squad. The report also notes that who previously had a spell with Norwich City in the Premier League, made decisive contributions in the final third, the 24-year-old. The report also notes that he pointed to the arrivals of Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes as ‘really good’ deals for the club.
