Arsenal ace delights at link-up with new team-mate

Kieran Gibbs (right) in action against Olympiakos. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Thursday, October 4, 2012
11:29 AM

Kieran Gibbs says he is delighted with his start to the season and is particularly pleased with how he has combined with Arsenal new boy Lukas Podolski.

Left back Gibbs has put in some eye-catching performances for the Gunners this campaign, earning a call up to Roy Hodgson’s latest England squad.

As well as looking an assured presence defensively, the 23-year-old has got forward well and formed an effective partnership on the left with Podolski.

“To be honest, I just play the game how I think it should be played,” Gibbs told Arsenal’s official website. “I help the midfielders and attackers whenever I can.

“I think [getting forward] gives us an edge, plus the fact that we have such technical midfielders and have players that can keep the ball really well.

“It allows me and Carl [Jenkinson] to push on and almost play a risky game, like any attacking team does.

“It’s working well for us so hopefully we can keep it going.”

Germany international Podolski scored his fifth goal for Arsenal in their 3-1 Champions League win over Olympiakos last night, and Gibbs is full of praise for his hard-working team-mate.

“Lukas is a fantastic worker and he’s a great player as well,” he said.

“He’s a joy to work with. The fact that he works so hard inspires me to work hard as well.

“He brings that to the team. He’s a very important player for us and he’s producing goals, he’s defending well, he’s attacking well.

“It’s a pleasure to work with him.”