Arsenal finally kick-started their 2021/22 Premier League campaign against Norwich City on Saturday.
The Gunners had lost all of their three opening league fixtures, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table going into the must-win clash against the Canaries.
Head coach Mikel Arteta was able to field several key first-team players that he had missed during the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City a fortnight ago, with Nicolas Pepe, Ben White and Gabriel all returning to the side, as club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the only goal of the game.
Arteta also opted to give deadline-day signing Takehiro Tomiyasu his Arsenal debut as the Japanese international impressed throughout the contest, registering two clearances, 10 successful duels and even came close to breaking the deadlock with a volley in the first half.
After the game, Tomiyasu said on Instagram: "It was a special day for me. I was happy to play front of amazing Arsenal supporters in emirates stadium.
"Thank you for your big support. I'll keep on working to be better!!!"
Tomiyasu's fellow fullback Kieran Tierney took to the comments to voice his support, saying: "Brilliant mate", followed by a clapping emoji.
The two could form an exciting partnership on the flanks, with Tierney extremely capable in the offensive third whilst Tomiyasu is likely to tuck in alongside Ben White and Gabriel in the centre of defence to form a back three in possession.
When asked how Tomiyasu’s debut went, Arteta said: "Really positive.
"Just the first impression when you met him, it was just joy and happiness and good energy.
"The moment he steps on the pitch he was really focused, determined, he understands the role really good.
"He was cramping. Obviously he only trained a day and a half with us, he had to travel, and emotionally it was his first game and we had to take him off."
