Despite the defeat, one Gunner’s almost flawless performance at Anfield wins Gooners’ hearts

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·1 September 2025

Despite the defeat, one Gunner’s almost flawless performance at Anfield wins Gooners’ hearts

One big positive from Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield was, arguably, Cristhian Mosquera.

Initially named on the bench, Mosquera was called into action in the fifth minute, replacing the injured William Saliba. While those shoes are notoriously hard to fill, he stepped up admirably. Battling through early nerves and helping to stifle Liverpool’s attack, the young Spaniard who joined the Gunners this summer impressed. He stood out, composed on the ball and resolute off it.

OneFootball Videos

Mosquera vs Liverpool

85 minutes played
51 passes
90% pass accuracy
4 tackles
2 blocked shots
3 clearances
4/5 duels won

That performance should not go unnoticed, and it has not. The media widely praised his display in Saliba’s absence.

Saliba (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

What the media said about Mosquera

The Evening Standard: “Thrown into a huge game after five minutes and rose to the occasion. Impressive given he’s only 21.”

The Daily Star: “Not the ideal game to be thrown into within the first five minutes. However, the Arsenal newcomer handled both the atmosphere and the state of play admirably.”

Football London: “Replacing William Saliba is no easy task, and after a keen entrance, the Spaniard settled. The first mistake came in the second half with a loose ball, which set up a chance for Salah.”

NBC Sports: “Really, really good answer to a big ask over 85 minutes as a sub.”

Arsenal: “Today we saw some new guys coming on the pitch under difficult circumstances, for example, Mosquera after the injury. They managed to come in these circumstances and do it as well as they could have done.”

One would hope this is a performance the young defender builds on. Because if he does, Arsenal’s defence could be bulletproof for years to come.

Yes, Arsenal lost the match, but Mosquera won the Gooners’ hearts.

Do you agree? Share your in the comments.

Daniel O

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