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Mikel Arteta identifies what Arsenal recruit Pablo Mari is lacking after Portsmouth win
Pablo Mari made his debut as Arsenal earned a comfortable 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park to progress into the FA Cup quarter-finals – but manager Mikel Arteta has identified one area where he is “lacking”.
Despite an excellent first-half performance from Portsmouth, Arsenal took the lead in first-half injury time. An excellent low cross into box from Reiss Nelson saw Sokratis pounce, volleying home the ball with a low effort.
Immediately after the break, Eddie Nketiah continued his excellent form as he bundled home an effort – with Nelson showing excellent pace and another good cross to set up the second. Mari, meanwhile, made his debut since joining from Flamengo.
A lack of fitness prevented the ex-Manchester City defender from appearing prior to Monday night’s Cup clash, but 90 minutes and a clean sheet will do him the world of good. Arteta, though, has identified an imperfection.
“Pablo Mari has looked good in training. He’s lacking rhythm but very good,”
TBR’s view – Can Mari break into starting eleven?
It is a tall order. Though Arsenal’s centre-backs have been somewhat below par this season, they are improving under Arteta – and there are a few of them. David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and goalscorer Sokratis will all be above Mari in the pecking order.
Another FA Cup tie and perhaps a handful of Premier League appearances may come Mari’s way, but if the Spaniard is lacking “rhythm” as Arteta says – then surely he has a way to go before breaking into the team on a regular basis.
