Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Pablo Mari must be given more opportunities after his impressive debut against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
Mari, who joined the Gunners on loan in January, was handed his first start on Monday night and helped Mikel Arteta’s side advance into the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win at Fratton Park.
Arteta was quick to single out his new signing for praise after the game, even though Portsmouth offered very little in terms of attacking quality.
The Gunners have long endured problems at the back, but Keown believes Mari showed signs of having all the attributes required to succeed at the club.
“He didn’t have a lot to do apart from his distribution,” Keown told Goal.
“But he won everything when necessary.
“You could see that he was a little bit short of fitness and that they are building him up. He looks to have the basis of a good player there.
“There were important first steps on Monday night, even though he wasn’t tested that much because in the second half Arsenal completely dominated possession - it was a bit of a football lesson for Portsmouth.”
Before adding: “I think he looked very solid, he has the height in inches. You look at the stature of the player and he won everything in the air.
“He wasn’t rapid, but was quick enough to deal with all the situations.
“We were playing against a League One side who had a lone striker so he and David Luiz were able to boss him between the two of them.
“I think it was important that he had Luiz alongside him to talk him through the game. Now we have to give him time, he has to be given more opportunities.”
