Takehiro Tomiyasu: Arsenal Defender Warms Fans’ Hearts With Noble Act After Beating Tottenham

• Takehiro Tomiyasu showed his true Japanese side by cleaning up after a North London derby
• The defender featured as Arsenal beat their eternal rivals to continue their EPL title challenge
• Japanese fans have attracted attention at global events by cleaning up stadiums after games

Takehiro Tomiyasu warmed the hearts of fans online after picking up trash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15.

The incident came right after Arsenal had beaten their North London rivals at their own home ground. Tomiyasu was a second-half substitute for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal ran riot and completely dominated their opponents, racing to a 2-0 lead before the break.

Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had a howler by turning in a Bukayo Saka cross, while Martin Odegaard added the second from outside the box.

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How Spurs vs Arsenal went

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte responded in the second half, by making some offensive changes in a bid to get back into the game.

The hosts threatened Arsenal's goal a couple of times, but Aaron Ramsdale thwarted their efforts. Arteta then withdrew Oleksandr Zinchenko and brought on Tomiyasu to see out the rest of the game.

After the game, there was a minor altercation between Richarlison, Ramsdale and a fan. The incident quickly quietened down, before the Gunners rushed off to celebrate with their travelling fans.

Tomiyasu's noble act

As the players left the pitch, Tomiyasu realised there was a piece of trash on the ground. The Japanese star then picked it and took it with him.

@Carrotrellish said:

"Tomiyasu picking up the piece of rubbish as he's walking off the pitch, such a class act."

Tomiyasu's action was reminiscent of how Japanese fans gained worldwide recognition during the 2018 World Cup, cleaning the Kazan Arena in Russia despite a heartwrenching round of 16 defeat to Belgium.

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Samuari Blue supporters have subsequently been spotted cleaning stadia after games in other tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Tomiyasu's clash with Richarlison

Sports Brief has also reported that Richarlison was seen clashing with Arsenal defender Tomiyasu on the touchline. Like the Spurs striker, the Japanese started the match from the bench.

The incident happened in the first half, as Thomas Partey prepared to take a throw-in. Richarlison seemingly wanted to interfere with that process and walked over to possibly rush the Ghanaian.

Tomiyasu stopped him in his tracks by putting his arms in the Brazilian's way, and Richarlison responded with an angry shove. The Gunners defender did not retaliate.