David Raya has just been proven absolutely right about Piero Hincapie vs Tottenham

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Piero Hincapie enjoyed a very successful first Premier League start for Arsenal and proved just why David Raya has been full of praise for him.

Arsenal produced an emphatic derby day win over Tottenham, as Eberechi Eze netted a stunning hat-trick to set the Gunners on their way to victory.

With Gabriel Magalhaes suffering a groin injury, Mikel Arteta needed to look elsewhere, and Hincapie was his choice in the North London derby.

The 23-year-old’s ability to slot into the team is a testament to how strong Arsenal’s depth has become following the summer transfer window.

His teammate David Raya has had a lot to say about him previously, and during the clash at the Emirates Stadium, the Spaniard was absolutely right.

Piero Hincapie was ‘great’ vs Tottenham, just like David Raya promised

Piero Hincapie enjoyed a very strong first Premier League start for Arsenal, as he came into the team against Tottenham to replace Gabriel.

Recently, Raya called Hincapie a ‘great player’, and the goalkeeper was fully expecting him to be a real success in North London.

The defender was thrown right into the deep end, but he stepped up against Tottenham with a dominant display in defence.

The Ecuador international managed five recoveries, four clearances and won all three of his ground duels against their bitter rivals.

Arsenal signed Hincapie on an initial loan with an option to buy him next summer for around £45 million, and already that could prove to be great value.

Rather interestingly, he was picked ahead of Cristhian Mosquera, who has also impressed when called upon by the Gunners.

During the time Gabriel spends on the sidelines, Hincapie now appears to be the clear first choice for Arteta’s team to partner William Saliba.

Arsenal fans have been so impressed by Piero Hincapie vs Tottenham

Arsenal fans were also so impressed by Hincapie’s first Premier League start and the way in which he seamlessly slotted into the team.

Hincapie was the first player in 15 years to make his first league start in a North London derby, and he did so with ease.

After the 4-1 win over Tottenham, Arsenal fans took to social media to share their praise for the defender’s display.

One fan said: “Hincapie was brilliant today. Won everything in the air, and his front-footedness allowed us to squeeze Spurs really well in the first half. Really impressed with him.”

“Hincapie’s been so clean on the ball tonight, calm, composed, zero nonsense. If he keeps performing at this level, Arsenal won’t be losing any sleep over Gabriel being out for a couple of months,” added another.

There was yet more praise for the defender: “I used to think Mosquera might be the third-best centre-back in the league. On the evidence of this evening, I’d say Hincapie is just a bit ahead.”

Finally, another added: “Hincapie didn’t put a foot wrong in that first half, and has got a range of passing too, pinged a few balls about.”

Meanwhile, Arteta called Hincapie a ‘warrior’ and in a vicious derby match, the youngster showed he was up for the fight.