Mikel Arteta's Arsenal got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the first taste of Premier League action following the international break thanks to a Martin Zubimendi brace and Viktor Gyokeres also getting on the scoresheet. In the wake of their three-point haul on home soil, the Emirates Stadium are waxing lyrical about one star in particular.
The visitors were led, following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, led out by Ange Postecoglou for the first time – and there was potential for it to be a very day out for Arteta and his men. It was very much the opposite: Zubimendi opened his account for the north Londoners, a clean sheet was kept and there were positives all round.
Arsenal, who have finished second in the Premier League table in three consecutive campaigns, have often been slated for not being ruthless enough when they've got a game under their spell. With a meeting with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and the beginning of their 2025/26 Champions League campaign on the horizon, those associated with the club will be pleased with the result – and the performance – against Forest.
Watch the highlights from Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest below:
Ace Excels with 'Unbelievable' Display in Arsenal 3-0 Forest
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At the top of the table for the timebeing, there could be plenty made of the arrivals of Noni Madueke, who played on the right flank in the absence of Bukayo Saka, and Gyokeres – who's made it three goals from four – but it would be remiss to ignore the brilliance of 21-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who excelled in his first start for the club.
Signed from Valencia in the summer of 2025, the Spaniard's arrival was met with very little fanfare. He was expected to be a back-up to Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, but the latter's recent injury means Alicante-born Mosquera has been called upon to be a starter.
Against the Garibaldi, not only did the youngster complete the most passes (76) in the match, but he was also defensively sound: he racked up two tackles, four clearances and six recoveries. It's almost as if Saliba's presence wasn't missed – and that's highlighted by the litany of post-match praise he's received.
"Mosquera is a very good defender," Barney Ronay, chief sports writer for the Guardian, wrote as another echoed a very similar, yet simple, sentiment. They wrote: "Mosquera looks unbelievable." Another wrote:
"Pound for pound, Cristhian Mosquera has to be the front running contender for bargain of the season. If anyone beats it, then it's generational. Slotted in seamlessly, with more forward intent than Saliba. A snippet of what he should be worth. A Berta masterstroke for Arsenal."
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HandofArsenal also took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the young defender. "Mosquera silently having another excellent game. We signed an absolute gem who just captained Spain (U21). The kid is a monster. 21 years old seamlessly comfortable in the best defence in the league."
Arsenal Fans Praise Mosquera's Display v Forest
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The Emirates Stadium faithful, too, are excited to have such an exciting talent in their ranks. "£13m for Cristhian Mosquera could turn out to be one of the signings of the summer. He looks exceptional. Hard to believe he's still only 21," one said as another wrote: "Mosquera... bloody hell, what do we have here?"
"Arsenal look really good but someone who has slotted in so impressively is Mosquera. Considering who he is replacing, to look this comfortable is a joke."
Still just 21 years of age, Mosquera has settled into Premier League life with, what looks like, relative ease. Cool and composed, there is every chance that he could have a very bright future in the heart of his employers' backline. A rival supporter wrote: "Where did they find Mosquera from??? This guy is crazy good."