Gary Neville has urged Piero Hincapie to deliver more crosses throughout the match after his delivery helped Arsenal take the lead against Manchester United.
It was a tough afternoon for both Arsenal and the defender as they slipped to their first Premier League defeat since December 6.
Fill in the blank: ______________ starts at left-back for Arsenal when everyone is fit…
Hincapie or Calafiori…
Matheus Cunha snatched the points from the Gunners with an incredible strike to silence the Emirates Stadium.
There were many disappointing performances from Mikel Arteta’s stars on Sunday afternoon, but one of them was Hincapie.
Gary Neville issues Piero Hincapie during Arsenal vs Man United
Piero Hincapie must offer more in the final third if he is to keep his spot at left-back at Arsenal, Gary Neville has said.
The Ecuadorian international will soon face competition for his spot when Riccardo Calafiori returns; meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber are also a threat to him.
Hincapie has been a great signing for Arsenal and is still only 23, but he still has much to improve going forward. He was hooked after just 59 minutes against United.
During the match, Neville said on Sky Sports commentary: “Well done on that goal for Hincapie because he just puts it in the box.
You have £45m to spend on a defender, do you pay for Piero Hincapie or sign someone else?
“He should do that more. Make the opposition team defend. They recycle it far too often, Arsenal.”
The former Manchester United defender hailed the defender just after the Gunners’ first goal, as his cross was eventually turned in off Lisandro Martinez.
Too often, Arteta’s team look to play backwards in dangerous crossing areas, so this is something for Hincapie to work on.
Next summer, Arsenal have a £45 million option to buy Hincapie, and right now, that remains a no-brainer call.
Riccardo Calafiori returned to Arsenal training on Friday
Calafiori returned to Arsenal training on Friday, along with Hincapie, and should soon be available for action, according to Sam Blitz.
The Italian was not fit enough to make the matchday squad against United, but hopefully, he should be ready for minutes against Kairat in the Champions League.
Arsenal have really missed the 23-year-old’s ability to get forward and create chaos, so having him back will be a huge boost.
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