One big positive from Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was, arguably, Cristhian Mosquera.
Initially named on the bench, Mosquera was called into action in the fifth minute, replacing the injured William Saliba. While those shoes are notoriously hard to fill, he stepped up admirably. Battling through early nerves and helping to stifle Liverpool’s attack, the young Spaniard who joined the Gunners this summer impressed. He stood out, composed on the ball and resolute off it.
Mosquera vs Liverpool
-
85 minutes played
-
51 passes
-
90% pass accuracy
-
4 tackles
-
2 blocked shots
-
3 clearances
-
4/5 duels won
That performance should not go unnoticed, and it has not. The media widely praised his display in Saliba’s absence.
What the media said about Mosquera
The Evening Standard: “Thrown into a huge game after five minutes and rose to the occasion. Impressive given he’s only 21.”
The Daily Star: “Not the ideal game to be thrown into within the first five minutes. However, the Arsenal newcomer handled both the atmosphere and the state of play admirably.”
Football London: “Replacing William Saliba is no easy task, and after a keen entrance, the Spaniard settled. The first mistake came in the second half with a loose ball, which set up a chance for Salah.”
NBC Sports: “Really, really good answer to a big ask over 85 minutes as a sub.”
Arsenal: “Today we saw some new guys coming on the pitch under difficult circumstances, for example, Mosquera after the injury. They managed to come in these circumstances and do it as well as they could have done.”
One would hope this is a performance the young defender builds on. Because if he does, Arsenal’s defence could be bulletproof for years to come.
Yes, Arsenal lost the match, but Mosquera won the Gooners’ hearts.
Do you agree? Share your in the comments.
Daniel O
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Looks the part and could emerge as real competition for Saliba.
All I can say is, we didn’t miss Saliba one bit. Slotted in seamlessly.
We didn’t miss Saka either. Madueke is pure quality even though still not polished to the maximum. The injuries excuse is dead and buried.
Oh no it isn’t 🤣
Reggie,
It’s not that time of year just yet.😂👍
Just practicing
But there was an indisputable way to keep Saliba from being injured to begin with. Let’s stay on topic here. 🤦♂️
Mosquera does look the part in every way.
I loved what I saw from Mosquera and that’s to say that someone can abley replace Saliba in the case of injuries
Probably the only positive we can take from this game to be honest.
Derek, That and Noni. I’ve been very impressed with him. He was taking Kerkez to school for the most part. He and Timber are linking up well also.
Bruised Banana,
Good evening. I make you right with these comments. 👍
Calafiori too. Surprised no one mentions how he put Salah in his pocket for the whole game.
Agree with Derek & Bruised banana. My one disappointment was Martinelli. I do like him especially at the beginning but he seems to have stalled. Why Eze did not start in his place is a mystery. My only thought is his defensive duties helping out Calafiori,though Eze can be effective defensively & more importantly in the attacking phase.