Arsenal: Marquinhos just had his Saka moment

A much-changed Arsenal aspect kickstarted their Europa League marketing campaign with a victory over FC Zurich in Switzerland on Thursday night,

Mikel Arteta rotated his beginning XI in a bid to maintain them contemporary for the weekend’s go to of Everton within the Premier League, although that sport now seems set to be postponed following the loss of life of Queen Elizabeth II, which was introduced proper earlier than half-time.

The Gunners went into the break tied with the Swiss champions after Marquinhos’ first purpose on his full debut for the aspect was cancelled out by Mirlind Kryeziu’s spot-kick as Eddie Nketiah fouled Ola Selnaes contained in the penalty field.

He made amends quickly after the break, nonetheless, heading in on the far publish because the younger Brazilian turned supplier. Arsenal sit atop of Group A after PSV Eindhoven, who they play subsequent week, drew with Bodo/Glimt.

It was fairly the evening for Marquinhos, who was making his first-ever aggressive begin for the north London giants, and it’s truthful to say he introduced himself on the European stage in a well-recognized style to his teammate, Bukayo Saka.

Who was your MOTM in Zurich?

The England sensation was handed his first full residence debut on this very competitors, that includes in opposition to Qarabag again in December 2018, then in September, throughout the next season, he bagged his first-ever purpose and likewise two assists in a 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, additionally within the Europa League.

It appears as if the previous Sao Paulo gem is following in his footsteps with an attention-grabbing show in opposition to Zurich, the place he additionally created as many as four probabilities, which was greater than fellow full debutant Fabio Vieira, although not as a lot because the 5 that Granit Xhaka managed from a deep-lying midfield function.

The 5 foot 9 dynamo additionally supplied three correct lengthy balls from 4 makes an attempt (75%), registered a profitable dribble and even put in two interceptions to thwart the house aspect, as per SofaScore.

Marquinhos’ fantastic show noticed him earn the ‘Star Man’ title from Simon Collings of the Night Normal, who wrote: ‘Loved a dream debut as he bought on the scoresheet with a well-taken purpose from a slick transfer. Seemed sharp all sport and setup Nketiah’s purpose with an amazing cross.’

In the meantime, journalist Josh Bunting was equally impressed by the large man, claiming that he “confirmed actual coronary heart and need together with his motion” and that he was “aggressive and astute.”

So neglect Vieira or Nketiah, it was Marquinhos’ evening over in Switzerland as he introduced himself to the Gunners devoted with a wonderful purpose and help.

It’s no marvel Arsenal didn’t signal one other winger within the switch market.