Arsenal’s primary problem in the last couple of seasons have been the lack of defender.
The Gunners have recruited some excellent attacking talent but it is in their defensive third where the problems have occured.
Kolasinac has been less than consistent, Bellerin out injured mostly, David Luiz is a mystery card, Sokratis way too old and Mustafi way too many mistakes.
Hence, for many Arsenal fans it was a comfortable sight the other night in the FA Cup when they saw Pablo Mari, their latest signing control the defence and put in a solid performance.
Agreed it was only against Portsmouth but the Brazilian did look extremely comfortable leading a backline that has been lacking vocal leaders.
Keown, the former Arsenal star now wants to to see more of him as he like many others believe Mari can be the solution to Arsenal’s defensice woes.
“He didn’t have a lot to do apart from his distribution,” Keown admitted. “But he won everything when necessary. You could see that he was a little bit short of fitness and that they are building him up. He looks to have the basis of a good player there.
“There were important first steps on Monday night, even though he wasn’t tested that much because in the second half Arsenal completely dominated possession – it was a bit of a football lesson for Portsmouth.
“I think he looked very solid, he has the height in inches. You look at the stature of the player and he won everything in the air. He wasn’t rapid, but was quick enough to deal with all the situations.
“I think it was important that he had Luiz alongside him to talk him through the game. Now we have to give him time, he has to be given more opportunities.”
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