Interview

Arteta - My verdict on Mari and Nketiah

Two of our standout performers against Portsmouth on Monday were debutant Pablo Mari and young striker Eddie Nketiah.

Mari partnered David Luiz in the centre of defence and helped us withstand a spell of pressure before catching the eye with his composure in possession and long-range passing.

"I think he looked comfortable," said Mikel Arteta. "He is very vocal and very comfortable on the ball, always commanding the back four and he looked like he’s played here for months. I think we have a good player."

At the other end of the pitch, Nketiah continued his impressive scoring run with his third goal in his last four starts.

The England youth international had Reiss Nelson to thank for the assist - a precise cross from the right - but it was Nketiah's lightning reactions that did the rest as he finished from close range.

"He has been phenomenal," said Arteta. "The workrate that he puts in, the rhythm that he goes into pressing, his understanding of the game - when to come and when to go in behind - and always in front of goal, he is ready to score."

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