Ally McCoist says one Arsenal player did ‘exceptionally well’ vs Athletic Club, he made seven defensive contributions

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Ally McCoist has highlighted one Arsenal star’s performance, which he was thoroughly impressed with in Mikel Arteta’s team’s win over Athletic Club.

Arsenal won 2-0 in Bilbao thanks to late goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

The Brazilian slotted past Unai Simon 36 seconds after coming on, before he set up the Belgian, who fired the Gunners into a commanding lead three minutes from time.

Both players impressed in their cameos, but McCoist was particularly enthused by another individual in the North Londoners’ ranks.

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Ally McCoist says Cristhian Mosquera did ‘exceptionally well’ vs Athletic Club

Declan Rice was outstanding on the night, contributing to Arsenal’s effective defensive display, which saw Athletic Club accumulate just 0.41 expected goals.

However, the England international wasn’t the only player who caught the eye and was a huge part of restricting Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Cristhian Mosquera was brilliant against Nottingham Forest on the weekend, and he followed that up with another solid showing in the Basque Country.

Selected ahead of William Saliba, the Spaniard played the full 90 minutes and defended astutely in his own box, whilst delivering another accomplished display on the ball.

Speaking on the TNT Sport Broadcast for the match, McCoist singled Mosquera out for praise.

“That’s another player who has gone about his business exceptionally well tonight there, Mosquera, although he went in there a bit late,” McCoist said.

The Scotsman wasn’t the only one on TNT Sport’s coverage who enjoyed the 21-year-old’s performance, with Martin Keown also waxing lyrical about the Arsenal defender.

“Mosquera as well, I want to mention him, what a performance from the young lad coming in at the back,” he said.

“We have to talk about it, because I think he deserves it.”

Cristhian Mosquera’s statistics vs Athletic Club

Not only did Mosquera complete more passes than anyone else on the pitch at Estadio de San Mames, he was also the most accurate passer of players who played more than 45 minutes.

Completing 95% of his passes in a hostile atmosphere in Europe, this was as assured a display on the ball as you’ll witness from a young centre-back in a Champions League match.

Meanwhile, on the few times Athletic Club did venture into Arsenal’s box, Mosquera was immense at dealing with the threat.

Making seven defensive contributions, six clearances and winning five aerial duels, it was a mammoth showing from the Gunners’ growing star.

Arteta now has a selection headache heading into the showdown with Manchester City on the weekend.