Christos Tzolis has put the finishing touch on an encouraging pre-season with a decisive penalty against Como 1907, giving Arsenal another reason to be excited about the Greek winger ahead of the new campaign.
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Arsenal prevailed 4-3 on penalties, with Tzolis stepping up under pressure and drilling his effort into the top corner.
It was a fitting end to a pre-season in which the winger steadily announced himself as an exciting attacking option.
Tzolis had already contributed across Arsenal’s summer schedule, scoring against Girona and providing assists against Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund.
Against Como, however, his biggest contribution came from 12 yards. The winning penalty was not a rushed decision.
Tzolis revealed that he had already discussed his intended effort with teammate Kai Havertz before taking responsibility from the spot.
“That was exactly how I wanted to shoot it, actually. Because I was with Kai [Havertz] in the middle line and he asked me, where are you going to shoot it? I said, there, very hard, and he said, I want to see it.
“Actually, I hit it very good. I wanted to shoot like this and I’m happy that it was in, and it was a nice penalty.”
The confidence behind the strike was perhaps just as encouraging as the finish itself.
For a player adapting to a new club and a new environment, taking the decisive penalty and executing it exactly as planned could be another important step forward.
Tzolis has also made a strong impression during his first pre-season with Arsenal.
Rather than needing an extended period to adjust, the winger says his teammates have helped him settle both on and off the pitch.
That support has been particularly important as he adapts to life in north London and Arsenal’s demands.
“I feel I’ve adapted well in the team. The guys helped me a lot on the pitch and also off the pitch; it was also important for me, and it was really nice to have the pre-season from the beginning with my new team, and now to be ready for the official games.
“So I think it was a positive pre-season for me.”
His involvement in every pre-season fixture has given him valuable minutes, while his goals and assists have offered early evidence of what he can bring to the team.
The friendly schedule is now over. The serious business begins.
Arsenal’s next assignment is the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday, giving Tzolis and his new teammates an immediate opportunity to compete for silverware.
For the Greek winger, the motivation is obvious.
“It’s a nice opportunity to start the season with a trophy,” Christos said. “That’s our target and I think everyone is on the same page for this game and we hope we’re going to show it on the pitch.”
The Community Shield could therefore provide Tzolis with his first taste of competitive football in Arsenal colours — and potentially his first trophy with the club.
Pre-season results rarely tell the full story, but individual performances can offer important clues. Tzolis has delivered plenty of them.
A goal against Girona. Assists against Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund. And now a pressure penalty against Como to finish the summer on a high.
The Greek winger appears increasingly comfortable in his new surroundings, and his confidence is growing at the right time.Tzolis has warmed up. Now comes the real test — and a trophy is already within reach.
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