With Arsenal not featuring in any action over the weekend, with a lack of FA Cup matches, attention has shifted to some of those stars currently on loan.
Fabio Vieira featured in Porto’s draw with Sporting, as the star played a crucial role in setting up a late equaliser in the clash.
Alongside the midfielder, there was another start for Arsenal loanee Marquinhos, who recently sealed a move to Cruzeiro.
The winger featured in an intense clash against Atletico-MG, which had its fair share of controversy on the night.
- READ MORE: Bukayo Saka and Ben White injury return dates revealed as Arsenal handed major ‘early’ boost
Brazilian media verdict on Arsenal loanee Marquinhos after Cruzeiro vs Atletico-MG
Arsenal loanee Marquinhos was handed another start for Cruzeiro in the first few weeks after sealing his loan back in Brazil.
The challenge of facing Atletico-MG was a big one, which wasn’t made any easier in the first 30 minutes when Gabriel Barbosa was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lyanco.
The Arsenal winger did come close to registering an assist earlier in the match, though a missed opportunity came and went.
A second-half double from Hulk ensured that the away side took the victory, with Marquinhos unable to help the ten men of Cruzeiro earn a point or three from the tie.
Brazil’s media gave their verdict on Marquinhos as part of their player ratings from the encounter.
For Ge Globo, the winger was awarded a 5.5, which is higher than most of the rest of his teammates.
The report stated: “He tried to help the team with escapes on the right [wing], taking advantage of Arana’s advances. He gave a sweet pass for Gabigol [Gabriel Barbosa] to score and miss the goal.”
Diario Celeste gave a similar rating, with a 5.4 handed out to Marquinhos for his part in the performance.
It suggests a decent performance during a rather difficult encounter for the winger.
Marquinhos faces an uphill battle to stay at Arsenal
Marquinhos faces an uncertain future at Arsenal, with the winger now on his fourth loan spell away from the club.
Loans at Norwich and Nantes didn’t quite work out, while Fluminense had some positives but failed to convince enough to make a permanent switch.
The move to Cruzeiro likely comes with the hope of pursuing a permanent move, seeing that the chances at the Emirates Stadium seem slim.
The 21-year-old has a contract until 2027 with Arsenal and still has plenty of room to grow, though he hasn’t shown the level to be at in the Premier League.
With one goal and one assist in seven matches so far, Marquinhos has until December to show he can impress at the top level in Brazil.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
