Arsenal fans notice something really worrying about Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera vs Chelsea

Arsenal fans are worried about the defensive partnership of Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera against Chelsea.

The absence of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal meant that Mikel Arteta was forced to rotate his two central defenders for the first time since May.

Saliba picked up an injury in Arsenal training ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge, leaving the Gunners light in defence.

Meanwhile, Gabriel is out with a groin injury, which he suffered in action for Brazil, meaning Hincapie and Mosquera started together for the first time in the Premier League.

But despite both players having done well previously, it was a tough first half this time around for the centre-back duo in West London.

Arsenal fans worried about Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera vs Chelsea

Arsenal fans have been left to question whether Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are ready to start alongside one another in such big games for Arsenal.

Hincapie impressed in his first Premier League start for Arsenal during the North London derby; however, against Chelsea and alongside Mosquera, he struggled.

The defender almost gifted the Blues the lead after he was caught in possession, but fortunately, Joao Pedro was unable to capitalise.

Following the conclusion of the first 45 minutes, Arsenal fans took to social media to question the partnership following their first major test.

One fan said: “Someone needs to tell Mosquera and Hincapie to calm down. Only 30 minutes gone. Why are we rushing the ball game?”

Arsenal start without Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the Premier League!

The last time Mikel Arteta named a starting XI in the Premier League without William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes was in the final game of the 2024/25 season.

During the 1-2 win over Southampton, Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney partnered.

How do we feel about their absence at Stamford Bridge, Gooners?

“Hincapie and Mosquera are not ready to start together in big games. At least we’re learning that today,” added another.

There were further question marks over the partnership: “We need Saliba and Gabriel back. Mosquera and Hincapie are good, but not for big games.

“Mosquera and Hincapie are good back-ups, but not for such games,” stated another supporter.

Finally, one fan claimed: “If Benjamin White is fit, he has to come on in this game. Sorry, but Mosquera and Hincapie aren’t it.”

Ben White is Arteta’s only centre back on the bench, although he could move Riccardo Calafiori there and bring on Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.

Piero Hincapie booked for an elbow on Trevoh Chalobah

Hincapie was booked for an elbow on Trevoh Chalobah in the 40th minute after the two challenged to win the ball in the air.

Many Chelsea fans feel the punishment should have been stricter; however, several Arsenal fans suggest there shouldn’t have been any punishment at all.

It was a shaky first start away from home for the Ecuadorian defender, and it showed as the Gunners were breached early in the second 45 minutes.

Arteta will be hopeful that Saliba will make a swift return to action ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Brentford.