Arsenal fans have been in seventh heaven as of late, as the Gunners strengthened their claim on a top 4 spot with 2 crucial victories. The first of these came away at Chelsea, followed by a 3-1 win against Manchester United at the Emirates.
Gooners found further elation in the return of fan favourite Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japanese fullback had been on the sidelines due to an injury, and in his stead, backup Cedric Soares had been starting. However, the Portuguese certainly hasn’t provided the same amount of solidity as Tomiyasu, and this was evident against United.
The 30-year-old squared against Jadon Sancho on multiple occasions throughout the game, and looked shaky, to say the least. Eventually, he was hooked off and in came the Japanese international in the 91st minute of the game.
Almost immediately, Tomiyasu made a difference and Gooners loved his first contribution to the game.
As seen in this clip, a role reversal takes place as United forward Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the defender, while Tomiyasu plays the attacking winger.
He effortlessly dashes past a lunging tackle from Ronaldo, who proceeds to catch the fullback on the follow-through, earning himself a caution.
The incident throws light on their low-key rivalry as fans were reminded of a similar instance involving the two players which occurred while Ronaldo was at Juventus, and Tomiyasu at Bologna.
Needless to say, the 23-year-old’s return grants a boost to Mikel Arteta’s Reds. The top 4 race looks all set to go down the wire, and Arsenal will need all the reinforcements they can get.