Mikel Arteta Explains Piero Hincapie Arsenal Start Against Tottenham

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta details tactical reasoning behind giving Piero Hincapie his start to maintain defensive balance in the North London Derby

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave Piero Hincapie his first Premier League start against Tottenham after Gabriel Magalhães picked up an injury. The Ecuadorian defender stepped in with confidence, and Arteta told Sky Sports that he made the call to keep balance in Arsenal’s defensive structure.

Arteta wanted a left-footed centre-back next to William Saliba to keep Arsenal’s build-up sharp and the backline organised. That preference made Hincapie the clear choice ahead of Cristhian Mosquera, who plays naturally on the right.

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Arteta outlined three key reasons for choosing Hincapie:

• Footedness and balance: A left-footed defender beside Saliba keeps Arsenal’s rhythm smooth.
• Top-level experience: Hincapie has Champions League and Bundesliga exposure suited for a high-pressure derby.
• Opportunity to integrate: Gabriel’s injury created a natural opening for Hincapie to stake his claim.

Hincapie’s Path to the Derby

Arsenal identified Hincapie as a long-term signing, and Arteta has repeatedly said the defender would help make the squad “stronger and more competitive.”

After dealing with fitness issues and competing with established players, Hincapie finally received the perfect stage in the North London Derby. He showed composure, tactical awareness, and aggression in crucial duels.

With Gabriel sidelined, Hincapie now looks set for a run of matches, and Arteta has made it clear that tactical balance matters just as much as individual form.

For Arsenal, choosing Hincapie strengthens the defence. For the player, this moment marks a shift from promising summer arrival to trusted Premier League starter.

Arteta didn’t simply replace Gabriel — he selected the defender who best preserved Arsenal’s defensive cohesion in one of the league’s fiercest fixtures.

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