Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been asked about the condition of central defender Cristhian Mosquera after the 22-year-old was forced off during the Gunners’ narrow Premier League victory over Aston Villa.
Mosquera was substituted in the 79th minute of the second-round match, which Arsenal won 1-0. The defender’s withdrawal came with the London club protecting a slender advantage, secured by Bukayo Saka’s goal shortly before the hour mark.
Saka struck in the 59th minute to settle the contest and give Arsenal their second win of the campaign. Arteta subsequently responded to a question about Mosquera’s fitness, with the defender’s late departure becoming the main concern surrounding the victory.
The result means Arsenal have collected six points from their opening two Premier League matches. The Gunners began the season with a win and maintained that perfect record by overcoming Aston Villa by a single goal.
Mosquera’s substitution was the only incident highlighted in relation to the Arsenal defence following the match. The 22-year-old had started the encounter in central defence but was unable to complete the game, leaving the side before the final stages.
Arsenal’s victory was ultimately decided by Saka’s finish in the second half. The England international’s goal proved enough to separate the teams, as Arteta’s side held on for a minimum-margin success away from home.
The win gives Arsenal a maximum return from the first two rounds and keeps the reigning champions at the top end of the early Premier League standings. Their next fixture will provide another high-profile test, with Chelsea due to visit the Emirates Stadium on 6 September.
That match will also focus attention on Mosquera’s situation after his enforced substitution at Aston Villa. Arteta has already been asked to comment on the defender, although the central fact from the match is that Mosquera left the field in the 79th minute of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory.
For now, Arsenal can reflect on a second consecutive league win, Saka’s decisive contribution and three more points. The success was narrow, but it moved the Gunners to six points after two matches, while the question surrounding Mosquera follows the team into the international break before the meeting with Chelsea.