Mikel Arteta has praised Takehiro Tomiyasu after the Arsenal defender’s performance last night against Luton Town.
The Japanese international came on in the second-half having returned to action for Arsenal last week against Manchester City after missing the past few weeks due to injury.
Signing a new contract with the Gunners last month, Tomiyasu’s return to the pitch has been viewed as a major boost for Arsenal and Arteta heading into the final weeks of the 2023/24 season.
Mikel Arteta ‘really happy’ with Takehiro Tomiyasu after Arsenal win
And speaking to the club’s official website after last night’s win against Luton, Arteta was delighted with what he saw from Tomiyasu in his brief cameo for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The £19m signing from Bologna has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season when fully fit, and Tomiyasu is beginning to look like his usual best after some weeks out injured.
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Arteta said when asked if he thinks Tomiyasu is happy at Arsenal: “Is Tomiyasu happy? Then I’m happy. I’m really happy. I really like him, he fully deserves that.
“I think he’s growing with the team and we need the consistency from him when he’s fit and available because today when he came on he was really good and he gave us a lot.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu will be influential in the coming weeks
With Jurrien Timber the only player currently out injured, Arsenal’s squad has never looked healthier heading into the final six weeks of the season.
And Tomiyasu’s return and subsequent performances show a player who is ready to give it his all for the Gunners in what could end up being a historic year for the north London side.
Arsenal are underdogs for both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and Tomiyasu will want to do all he can to lead the north London side to glory in both competitions.