Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sung the praises of "exceptional" Takehiro Tomiyasu after his strong start to life at the Emirates.
The Japanese defender has made the right-back spot his own since his deadline-day arrival from Bologna, featuring from the first whistle in 1-0 wins over Norwich City and Burnley and impressing with his aerial ability and work-rate.
Tomiyasu is expected to hold his place in the defence for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and Arteta believes that the 22-year-old has been a key addition to the Emirates ranks.
Speaking to the media ahead of the North London derby, Arteta said: "I am impressed by the way he has settled and the way he has gained everybody's appreciation. He had no time to prepare against Norwich and then a proper Premier League game against Burnley - I think he was exceptional."
The Arsenal boss also lavished praise on Granit Xhaka during his pre-match press conference, with the midfielder set to return from a three-game suspension on Sunday.
The Gunners welcome Spurs to the Emirates having won their last three games on the spin in all competitions, most recently downing AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in Wednesday's EFL Cup clash.
Ben Knapton
