Kiwior reacts to full Premier League debut after starring in Arsenal’s Chelsea rout

Robin Bairner

• 3 May 2023 08:51 BST
• 3 min read

Jakub Kiwior was thrown into his first Premier League start on Tuesday, with the Arsenal centre-back asked to feature from the beginning of Arsenal’s vital clash with Chelsea.

It proved a happy experience for the Poland international as the Gunners ran out 3-1 winners to keep their title ambitions alive, with Martin Odegaard’s double in the first half added to by an effort from Gabriel Jesus.

Although Noni Madueke got one back for the Blues in the second half, spoiling what would have been a cleansheet for Kiwior, it did not spoil what was a memorable evening for the 23-year-old.

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Speaking to Viaplay Sport Polska, he said: “I’m glad I finally got a chance to play the whole game. These minutes on the field are important for me now. I’m happy that I was able to help my teammates. I got the chance and I had to take it. From the moment I found out, I was happy and that's it.

"I knew it was a very important match for me and after such a game I'm happy it turned out the way it did and that I helped a little bit.

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"We needed a win like that after the last games to reset our morale after these last few games."

Asked if he sees himself as a player likely to get more game time, he replied: "We'll see. It's the coach's decision. Today I showed what state I'm in, that I'm ready. The rest is up to the coach."

Kiwior moves up Arteta’s pecking order

Signed from Spezia during the January transfer window for €25 million, Kiwior, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €25.5 million, had been given only two substitute appearances in the Premier League before. He had, however, started against Sporting CP in the Europa League.

With William Saliba injured, Rob Holding had been Mikel Arteta’s preferred option at centre-back, but such was Kiwior’s assurance against Chelsea that while the Frenchman sits out, the Pole appears likely to take his place. Holding failed to look as composed as the new arrival, and that was reflected in the number of goals conceded.

Saliba’s absence has coincided with a downturn in Arsenal’s form that may prove decisive in the title race, but in Kiwior, the Gunners have a new player they can put their faith in as they prepare for a clash against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday