Arsenal centre-back Pablo Mari started his second successive Premier League game against Brighton and once again put in a good performance to help the Gunners secure another victory.
The 27-year-old was only recalled for the game against Chelsea after both Gabriel and David Luiz were sidelined due to the virus, but the defender has taken his chance with both hands, impressing in both games.
Mari was an authoritative figure alongside Rob Holding in the centre of defence as they kept a clean sheet and supporters on Twitter were praising the Spaniard for his display last night:
Underrated baller ?
— Ed (@Saliba_ba) December 29, 2020
Very impressed with him since he’s come in the team
— BiiLLARD92 (@BillyyBoyy92) December 29, 2020
thought he was immense
— Ross (@AFCRBENSON) December 29, 2020
One thing i can’t complain about is our LCB depth ?
— Ismail (@Afcismail_) December 29, 2020
He’s very unlucky we have Gabriel. Absolutely quality
— Don Aouar (@AouarDon) December 29, 2020
SOLID
— ???????? (?????? ?????) (@AFCHadleigh) December 29, 2020
Mari and holding for life
— NEXT TRACK OUT NOW LINK IN BIO! (@Bahdguysans) December 29, 2020
Can 2 Left footed CBs play together?????just asking
— G!lly (@_Manyasi_M) December 29, 2020
His communication with Holding was key tbh. Looks like a leader at the back.
— Padfoot (@Prakhar_8) December 29, 2020
It will be interesting to see what manager Mikel Arteta does when Gabriel is back available. With both players being left-footed, it’s unlikely that the Gunners boss would start them together, unless he plays three at the back.
Whether Mari has done enough to leapfrog Gabriel in the pecking order, it is questionable, but it’s good that there is competition for places.