Pablo Mari feels that Arsenal’s performance against Villareal on 30th April 2021 during the Europa League Semi-Final cannot be deemed bad.
Considering they played with 10 men in the last few minutes, the Brazilian believes that the Gunners gave their best.
Pablo Mari played the entire game and saw his side going 2 goals down before half-time. The Gunners did not assert their dominance until the second half commenced and soon they secured a crucial away goal.
In an interview, the center-back said, “The result is satisfying considering we were two goals down with one less player.”
Proud of this TEAM. We are in semifinals! 💪 @EuropaLeague
Orgulloso de este EQUIPO. ¡Estamos en semifinales! 💪 #UEL
Orgulho desta EQUIPE. Estamos na semifinal! 💪 #Arsenal #COYG #Gunners @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/3AcZ0fwyMA
— Pablo Mari Villar (@PabloMV5) April 15, 2021
“But I feel that in the second leg we should play to win from the starting whistle,” said Mari.
Pablo Mari has become a hidden gem for the Gunners after moving from Flamengo in the year 2020. Ever since his move, the center-back has fought for a place with David Luiz and Gabriel.
Despite his age and his lack of experience with EPL football, the Brazilian has shone for Arsenal this season as a center-back and an accidental leader.
Pablo Mari: The leader Arsenal need to win the UEL
Pablo Mari can lead Arsenal whenever their designated leaders are incapable of doing so and thus help them to a Europa League trophy this season (Photo by Xisco Navarro/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Unlike many other players, his concern for Arsenal does not lie in the lack of trophies. But, instead, he would prefer for his team to have more fighting spirit when playing games.
Though he has never led a team per say, Mari has become an impromptu leader whenever Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Granit Xhaka have failed to manage their team efficiently.
Due to his age, the center-back has helped in shoring up the defensive lines of the Gunners. Through this, they have conceded far fewer goals than they normally would.
Furthermore, the Gunners have seen quite a few red cards this season for their defenders. Whenever that happens, Pablo Mari steps in and does what is required of him.
Therefore, Pablo Mari wishes to help Arsenal improve and go into the second leg against Villareal with a winning attitude.
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