Arsenal achieved the unimaginable in their club debut

Piero Hincapie delivered a stellar performance in his Champions League starting debut, winning every duel and aiding Arsenal to a 3-0 win against Slavia Prague, continuing their flawless streak.

Arsenal continued to demonstrate their dominance in this season's Champions League by convincingly defeating Slavia Prague. However, the spotlight of that dazzling night belonged to a relatively new name for fans, Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie, who impressed greatly during his first start in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Statistics show that the 23-year-old engaged in 8 one-on-one duels and won all 8, becoming the first Arsenal player in 10 seasons to achieve a 100% success rate in duels during a European cup match.

This remarkable figure speaks volumes about Hincapie’s solidity, game-reading ability, and composure—qualities that Arteta consistently seeks in his defenders.

Beyond his defensive excellence, Hincapie also demonstrated great activity in supporting attacks. He frequently pushed forward and moved intelligently to create new passing lanes on the left flank, helping Arsenal maintain constant pressure on Slavia Prague’s defense.

After the match, coach Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction: “I’m very pleased with his performance. Hincapie can play both as a center-back and a left-back. In our system, that role demands flexibility, strength, and awareness. He meets all those requirements and keeps improving with every game.”

Arteta’s remarks also highlight Arsenal’s enviable squad depth. Whether it’s Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, or Hincapie covering the left side, the “Gunners” maintain consistent form and balance between attack and defense.

For Hincapie, the match in Prague will surely mark a turning point in his journey at Emirates. From an overlooked newcomer, the Ecuadorian has proven he’s fully capable of competing for a regular starting spot.

As Arsenal aims for success across multiple competitions this season, Hincapie’s outstanding display not only reinforces the coaching staff’s confidence but also opens a promising future for him in the red and white jersey.