‘He’s been exceptional’: Arteta blown away by Arsenal player after win

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Mikel Arteta has claimed that Nuno Tavares has been exceptional since coming into the Arsenal team following his display against Watford on Sunday – in comments reported by Football London.

The Gunners saw off the Hornets at the Emirates. Emile Smith Rowe scored the only goal during the second-half. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed a penalty for the home side.

Tavares kept his place in the team for the clash despite Kieran Tierney returning from injury.

The 21-year-old vindicated Arteta’s decision by bringing serious energy down the left flank. His pace threatened to cause plenty of problems for the visitors.

And it was his run that led to Watford receiving a late red card. Juraj Kucka made a rash challenge on the Portuguese.

And after the game, Arteta suggested that he has been delighted with how the youngster has performed since coming into the fold.

“Nuno is playing because he deserves to play. He’s been exceptional since he’s been given the opportunity, but I cannot say anything different with Kieran,” he said, as reported by Football London. “This is what we need. Two top players that are raising the level in the position.”

Nuno Tavares’ superb form going under radar after surprise move to Arsenal

It did appear that plenty of fans were somewhat baffled by the club making Tavares their first signing of the summer.

Arsenal clearly had much greater priorities than a backup left-back. And Tavares – who earns £27,000-a-week – had not yet really proven himself with Benfica.

But those doubters have been emphatically silenced. It takes a superb talent to keep a player such as Tierney out of the side. He had previously been simply undroppable whenever he was fit and available for the Gunners.

It is still early days for Tavares at Arsenal. But the signs are incredibly positive right now.