Mikel Arteta pleased with £12m-rated Arsenal warrior after Premier League debut

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Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Pablo Mari after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish boss spoke to Metro afterwards and seemed delighted with the impact made by his January signing.

It was the 26-year-old’s Premier League debut having arrived from Flamengo during the January transfer window.

His first appearance came in last Monday’s 2-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup at Fratton Park.

The Gunners have defended a lot better under Arteta but the occasional lapse has still crept in – most notably in the Europa League defeat to Olympiacos.

Mari was largely impressive but Arteta suggested that it took him a little while to get going.

Arteta told Metro: “I think he was very good and in the first half he took a few moments to sort out what he needed to do.

“He’s brave, he’s willing, he’s impressive without the ball and he has a presence.

“He is very vocal around his team even if he’s only been two games here, but he has that ability and that character. I’m really pleased with him.”

Arsenal have already paid £4 million to take Mari on loan for the remainder of the season. Another £8 million will be required to make his move permanent in the summer (Sky Sports).

The Spanish defender already looks like he could become a hit with the club’s supporters, despite just two games in the team.

Arteta will surely persist with Mari when the Gunners travel to Manchester City on Wednesday.

He has struck up a seemingly decent partnership with David Luiz and Arteta will be keen to give him as much game time as possible.