Jakub Kiwior believes he showed his quality in his start against Chelsea on Tuesday, and he’ll be ready to play whenever called upon.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's third goal with teammates Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal with teammates Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Jakub Kiwior was a somewhat surprising inclusion in Arsenal’s starting lineup to face Chelsea on Tuesday, with the centre-back only having played 14 Premier League minutes before this week.

Kiwior’s only previous start had come in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 tie against Sporting CP, and he hadn’t completed 90 minutes on a single occasion since his January transfer.

But with the injury to William Saliba and Arsenal shipping goals too easily in recent games, Mikel Arteta decided to give Kiwior a chance against Chelsea.

The Polish international played the full match in a 3-1 win, and afterwards, he told the media how pleased he was to get that opportunity.

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“I’m glad I finally got a chance to play the whole game,” Kiwior said (translated by Emilia Roe). “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.

“We needed a win like that after the last games to reset the morale. We were very focused on just winning today. Today I showed what I’m capable of, and as soon as the coach tells me to play, I’m ready!”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on March 19, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on March 19, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Kiwior put in a very solid defensive performance against Chelsea, making four clearances, three interceptions, and one tackle, as well as blocking a shot. He wasn’t dribbled past once, and he completed 93% of his passes.

Though there are some suggestions that Kiwior played it a bit safe with his passing, that’s understandable for a first start in a new league.

The defender’s athleticism nonetheless allowed Arsenal to push further up the pitch, as they’re used to doing with Saliba in the team, and to get back to playing their game.

Kiwior will now be working throughout the week to try and keep his place against Newcastle United.

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