Pablo Mari has been the key to Arsenal's post-Christmas resurgence

Pablo Mari is the reason why Arsenal's form has turned around with the Gunners starting to rise up the Premier League table

By Peter White

Arsenal’s resurgence since the festive period has been met by a wave of praise aimed at the team’s electric youngsters, but should Pablo Mari’s influence be considered when contemplating the reasons for the upturn in fortunes? 

The likes of Emile Smith Rowe - who scored in the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle last time out - and Bukayo Saka have rightly been recognised for playing their part, but Mari has been equally central to their success. 

The Spanish defender has endured a largely interrupted start to life at the Emirates having initially joined on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Flamengo 12 months ago, with injury and the Covid-19 pandemic restricting him to just three appearances last season. 

Boss Mikel Arteta’s decision to make the move permanent in the summer despite Mari’s lack of playing time suggested he had spotted something special behind the scenes, though, and after a six-month lay-off the 27-year-old has quickly made up for lost time. 

Owing to the absence of fellow centre-halves Gabriel and David Luiz over recent weeks, Mari was thrust into his first Premier League start of the campaign in the 3-1 win against Chelsea on Boxing Day, and he has been an ever-present feature of the starting XI since. 

That clash against the Blues is the only time Arsenal have conceded in their last four outings, with further wins against Brighton, West Brom and Newcastle seeing them climb up to 11th in the league table, while kicking off their FA Cup defence with success against the Magpies. 

As Thursday’s Premier League match at home to Crystal Palace looms large, we take a look at how Mari has asserted his authority in North London, while considering the possible implications of his scintillating form. 

Taking his chance

While Arsenal’s attackers have impressed with ten goals in the last four matches, their ability to push forward and wreak havoc in the final third is thanks in large to the foundation laid by Mari and his fellow defenders. 

Alongside Rob Holding in the three Premier League encounters before Saturday’s win against Newcastle - in which he partnered David Luiz - Mari has offered a calm and composed presence at the heart of the back four. 

Against the Magpies, Mari showcased his ability to be solid at the back and initiate attacks, by completing four tackles, three interceptions, six out of nine long balls attempted, and two key passes with an overall passing success rate of 94 per cent. 

In addition to his technical qualities, the former Manchester City man raised eyebrows by embracing Gabriel Martinelli - who had earlier gone off injured - at full-time, demonstrating the kind of leadership that Arsenal have perhaps been lacking over recent years. 

Catching Arteta's eye 

While earning plaudits from Gunners fans far and wide, Mari’s recent form hasn’t gone unnoticed by manager Arteta, who is understandably delighted to be reaping the rewards after being so patient with his fellow countryman. 

Arteta, 38, said: “We had to throw him in because we had some injuries and suspensions, it probably wasn’t really fair for him because he’s missed a lot of football in the last year. 

“He was really positive when he wasn’t playing, when he was injured and when he is playing, he is the same person all the time, trying to help everybody. 

“He’s really professional, really eager to improve to give his best all the time in any capacity and any role and I think he is getting rewarded by his attitude.” 

Mari’s presence, reliability and playing style have drawn comparisons with Arsenal great Per Mertesacker, and Arteta will hope he can steadily become a bedrock of the defence in a similar vein to his former teammate. 

What next? 

While it’s perhaps easy to get carried away with his dazzling displays since Boxing Day, Mari could be afforded a well-earned rest across the next few weeks having played six games in all competitions since the start of December, after returning from injury. 

Gabriel is nearing his return after a completing his self-isolation period and could feature against Palace, with Arteta providing a squad update earlier in the week. 

He said: “He (Gabriel) had very mild symptoms so he’s missed a few weeks of training because he had to be isolated. It’s better now, and we will make an assessment whether we can have him or not on Thursday.” 

With Arteta keen to employ a left-footed player in central defence it would appear Mari is in direct competition with Gabriel for a spot in the XI, and despite seeming somewhat undroppable before Christmas, the Brazilian will know he has it all to do once again when he's back in the frame. 

But such a selection headache is the ideal scenario for Arteta, and he will hope the depth in his squad can fuel Mari’s eagerness to emulate his Copa Libertadores win with Flamengo, in Arsenal red over the coming months and years.

Photo Credit: Getty Images