Pablo Mari made his Premier League debut for Arsenal during the 1-0 win over West Ham United and the defender made a strong case for himself.
The centre-back delivered a composed performance vs Porstmouth and it was more or less certain that he would be getting a run-in in the league this weekend itself.
Praising the defender, the manager said: “I think he was very good and in the first half he took a few moments to sort out what he needed to do.
“He’s brave, he’s willing, he’s impressive without the ball and he has a presence.
“He is very vocal around his team even if he’s only been two days here, but he has that ability and that character. I’m really pleased with him.”
And immediately after this win, the focus shifted to Arsenal’s next league match which is against Manchester City in midweek and there have whispers claiming that Pablo Mari could get his second consecutive start vs the Citizens.
The manager said, as per the club’s official website: “Good point, I have to take your advice there!
“If it is as simple as that, hopefully, we do it again at Manchester City and see if we get a clean sheet!
Pablo Mari just suits Arsenal Football Club pic.twitter.com/Dtync4p7WA
— Elliot 👑 (@LacaSweat) March 7, 2020
“He is doing well, he’s adapted really well – it is not an easy league and a central defender, in my opinion, to play in the Premier League is one of the toughest positions to play for any foreign player.
“But he is very willing, he is learning and he has a good experience and understanding with his team-mates.”
Should Pablo Mari start vs Manchester City?
Yes, Pablo Mari put in a fine shift against West Ham United but playing against Manchester City is not going to be a walk in the park.
City are formidable at home and Guardiola would be relishing the prospect of his forwards coming up against someone like Pablo Mari who is yet to gather experience in England. Players like Aguero, Jesus and De Bruyne have the capability to tear apart any major defensive partnership in the world and there’s every chance that the Etihad outfit could be in for a field day in midweek.
