‘Real outlet going forward’: BBC pundit impressed by £8m Arsenal player in win over Chelsea

Thu 21 April 2022 7:15, UK

BBC Sport pundit Glenn Murray praised Arsenal full-back Nuno Tavares in Wednesday night’s 4-2 win at Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta’s charges got back to winning ways with an impressive performance at Stamford Bridge

It was an essential win for Arsenal, who ended a three-match losing run and reignited their top-four hopes.

Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in the 13th minute, making the most of an Andreas Christensen blunder.

Timo Werner struck back for Chelsea, but Arsenal retook the lead in the 27th minute through Emile Smith Rowe.

The hosts then equalised again, Cesar Azpilicueta netting with a low finish just after the half-hour mark.

Nketiah went on to put Arsenal ahead again in the second half, making the most of more calamitous Blues defending.

And Bukayo Saka made sure of all three points with a penalty after Azpilicueta hauled him down in the Chelsea box.

Meanwhile, Tavares also looked much improved following his recent struggles.

The summer signing looked more comfortable defending as a wing-back, and offered plenty in attack.

Tavares also played a big part in Arsenal’s third goal.

He intercepted a wayward pass and set up Nketiah just outside the box.

“Tavares has been a real outlet going forward for Arsenal,” said Murray on .

“I think he can be naive defending at times but going forward has the legs.”

Tavares will no doubt be frustrated with the second Chelsea goal.

He allowed Azpilicueta to ghost in behind him to score.

Nonetheless, he did well for the most part and looks like he’s getting his confidence back.

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