According to a report published by the Evening Standard on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an explanation for his decision to include Christos Tzolis in the starting lineup against Liverpool, despite the forward having only recently recovered from a hamstring problem.

The Arsenal boss was confident enough to hand the Greek international a starting opportunity in the important Premier League encounter.

Arsenal recorded a memorable 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, securing their first league win at the stadium since 2012.

Kai Havertz proved to be the difference between the two sides after finding the back of the net in the opening half. His goal, combined with Arsenal's disciplined defensive display, ensured that the visitors collected all three points against the reigning Premier League champions.

Tzolis' presence in the starting eleven attracted attention because he had been unavailable since picking up a hamstring injury while representing his country roughly a month earlier.

Nevertheless, Arteta trusted the forward to make an immediate return to competitive action. His gamble proved worthwhile, as Tzolis produced a promising display against Liverpool.

The attacker forced Alisson Becker into an impressive low save with a threatening attempt. He also created a dangerous opportunity with a well-delivered cross towards the far post, which nearly resulted in another Arsenal goal.

Speaking about his decision, Arteta explained that Tzolis had shown encouraging energy and fitness levels during training sessions. He also revealed that Eberechi Eze had experienced an injury concern ahead of the match.

The Arsenal manager praised the club's medical and performance teams, acknowledging the important role they played in getting both players ready for such a demanding fixture.

Arteta described the efforts of the medical department as outstanding, explaining that maintaining players' fitness and availability becomes increasingly difficult when matches are played every three days.

He further revealed that Tzolis was eager to remain on the pitch until the final whistle despite his recent return from injury. However, the coaching staff eventually decided to substitute him after believing he had made a sufficient contribution.

The Spaniard acknowledged that selecting the forward involved taking certain risks, but he was satisfied with the player's performance and overall impact on the team's success.

Meanwhile, Eze's fitness issue offered an explanation for his absence from Arsenal's starting eleven. Although the England international was not considered ready to begin the match, he was fit enough to be named among the substitutes.

The victory at Anfield also represented an important response from Arsenal following their frustrating Carabao Cup exit against League Two outfit Fleetwood Town during the week.

The Gunners were eliminated after losing a penalty shootout, having struggled to convert several promising chances throughout the contest.

Arteta admitted that the result was disappointing, particularly because Arsenal had registered 27 attempts on goal while Fleetwood managed just one effort on target.

Despite that setback, the manager was encouraged by his team's reaction against Liverpool. Arsenal displayed greater determination, organisation and defensive commitment to earn an important away victory.

The result provided a timely boost for the Gunners as they continue their campaign, while Arteta's comments offered further insight into the fitness situations surrounding Tzolis and Eze.