Xabi Alonso wasn’t wrong when he described Piero Hincapie to Mikel Arteta, as the Arsenal defender proved with a late tackle against Everton.
For all of the work Arsenal did in the summer transfer window, very few would’ve thought that Hincapie’s deadline day loan move would arguably have the most impact.
Andrea Berta struck a remarkable deal to sign Hincapie, with everything in place to make the Ecuadorian’s move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent in the summer.
Arsenal haven’t looked back since signing the defender, who, against Everton, earned a cheer as loud as a goal celebration for a tackle that ultimately encapsulated who he is as a player.
- READ MORE: Arsenal star who only completed two passes vs Everton actually proved he’s Mikel Arteta’s dream
Be brave: Was this the matchweek that we won the league?
Piero Hincapie’s moment vs Everton proved that Xabi Alonso was right about him
When Arsenal were about to sign Hincapie, Arteta sought the insight of Xabi Alonso, the defender’s former boss at Leverkusen.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the Arsenal manager later revealed the reference Alonso provided him with, and the feedback makes so much sense now.
“When I spoke to Xabi about him just before we were going to sign him, I asked him to describe him in one word. He said: Warrior. He will run through brick walls for you.”
Hincapie is a warrior, and while he may not have run through a brick wall yet, he did the matchday equivalent against Everton.
Before Max Dowman’s history-making goal, Arsenal defended for their lives in stoppage time to keep Everton out to preserve their lead.
Hincapie played a huge part in that, arguably the most important one, as in the 95th minute, he followed the ball into the box, tracking Jake O’Brien to then produce an inch-perfect slide tackle to clear the threat.
The Ecuadorian stood up and celebrated, and the Emirates cheered as if Arsenal had just scored.
Who is Arsenal’s best left-back: RICCARDO CALAFIORI or PIERO HINCAPIE?
When Arsenal needed him most, Hincapie was the warrior and the runner through walls that Alonso promised, proving himself to be one of the smartest signings of the summer.
On social media, Gooners far and wide applauded the left-back’s threat-denying action.
One wrote, “That was the moment we know we’d take 3 points. Immense challenge, immense player.”
Another shared similar praise for Hincapie, “I f—— love that guy. Every game he doesn’t want to give an inch to anyone.”
One Gooner went as far as to admit, “Loudest I’ve cheered all season.”
Hincapie won’t make the headlines given what else happened during Arsenal’s win over the Toffees, but when reflecting on big moments of the season, that tackle might crop up.
What a terrific player and signing.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
