TUANZEBE 'WE INVITE THE CHALLENGE'

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Defender eyes up Gunners test

2025-10-31T18:00:00.000Z

TUANZEBE 'WE INVITE THE CHALLENGE'

Defender eyes up Gunners test

2025-10-31T18:00:00.000Z

Defender eyes up Gunners test

May 2017, 20-year-old Axel Tuanzebe was lining-up for his Premier League debut against Arsenal at Old Trafford and had the small job of marking the in-form winger Alexis Sánchez.

Fast forward eight years and 139 senior appearances later, the defender is relishing the opportunity of coming up against the Premier League leaders on Saturday afternoon for Burnley.

Although the Clarets may go into the clash as underdogs, Tuanzebe insists that he and his teammates are ready for the challenge but is well aware of the test Mikel Arteta's men will pose.

Looking ahead to the clash speaking to Clarets+, the defender said: "Look, we all know Arsenal are a very good side. In possession, out of possession, set-pieces and I find them and Manchester City the two most comfortable teams in any position.

"Even if you're in a low block, they will dominate possession and try find a way to break teams down. We know it won't be easy at all.

"But we invite the challenge, we have done a lot of work this week on the pitch and in meetings on how we can try gain something from the game and that's what we will try to do this weekend."

TUANZEBE 'WE INVITE THE CHALLENGE' - Image 1

The central defender continued: "Everyone knows how dangerous they are from set-pieces, the stats speak for themselves, but you sort of look forward to these sorts of challenges and physical battles.

"You have the most joyous moments and learnings from difficult moments and obviously this game is going to be one of, if not, the toughest game this season."

After signing for the Clarets in the summer, Tuanzebe had to wait 101 days to make his PL debut for the Club due to injury set-backs, but the defender hasn't looked back, after starting the last two league games, winning both.

"I mean, obviously it was a difficult start. I didn't imagine it to take as long as it did, but that's football for you. I'm just happy to be up and running in the team now.

"Two wins from two so far, it's been a positive start to life for the team overall, it's important we just keep on building now."