Mikel Arteta labels new Arsenal arrival Takehiro Tomiyasu "exceptional" ahead of Sunday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sung the praises of "exceptional" Takehiro Tomiyasu after his strong start to life at the Emirates.

The Japanese defender has made the right-back spot his own since his deadline-day arrival from Bologna, featuring from the first whistle in 1-0 wins over Norwich City and Burnley and impressing with his aerial ability and work-rate.

Tomiyasu is expected to hold his place in the defence for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, and Arteta believes that the 22-year-old has been a key addition to the Emirates ranks.

Speaking to the media ahead of the North London derby, Arteta said: "I am impressed by the way he has settled and the way he has gained everybody's appreciation. He had no time to prepare against Norwich and then a proper Premier League game against Burnley - I think he was exceptional."

The Arsenal boss also lavished praise on Granit Xhaka during his pre-match press conference, with the midfielder set to return from a three-game suspension on Sunday.

The Gunners welcome Spurs to the Emirates having won their last three games on the spin in all competitions, most recently downing AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in Wednesday's EFL Cup clash. body check tags ::

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