Arteta's Surprise Selection for North London Derby
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta delivered a team selection surprise for the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham, handing a full Premier League debut to summer signing Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian defender, acquired from Bayer Leverkusen, was a somewhat unexpected choice to step into the significant void left by the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.
Why Hincapie Got the Nod
The opportunity for Hincapie arose following a serious injury to first-choice defender Gabriel, who sustained a problem while on international duty with Brazil. The 27-year-old centre-back is expected to be sidelined for up to two months, creating a critical gap in Arteta's backline. Many pundits and fans had anticipated that fellow new recruit Cristhian Mosquera would be the natural replacement, given his impressive form in his first 12 appearances since moving from Valencia.
However, Arteta opted for a different tactical approach. Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, the Arsenal boss explained his reasoning, emphasising the importance of maintaining a specific balance in defence. 'We believe what we want to do is the best partnership,' Arteta stated. 'We have the absence of Gabi for the next few weeks and we need the stability we have in the past.'
A key factor in the decision was Arteta's desire to continue with a left and right-footed combination at the heart of his defence. Hincapie, a natural left-footer, provided this balance, allowing the defensive structure to remain consistent. Arteta also highlighted the player's valuable experience, noting, 'He’s won the Premier League already in Germany and for his age already he has a lot of football in the legs.'
Seizing a Crucial Opportunity
For Piero Hincapie, this debut represents a chance he will be desperate to take. His start to life at the Emirates has been hampered by his own fitness issues and the strong form of Arsenal's other left-sided defenders, forcing him to bide his time. Now, with a starting berth in one of the club's biggest fixtures, the derby against Tottenham offers the perfect stage for the young defender to make his mark and secure a more prominent role in the squad during Gabriel's extended absence.
