New recruit: Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Cristhian Mosquera believes Arsenal’s mentality around defending has been key to their fine form this season, with the players now referring to their goal as “our house”.
Arsenal have made a brilliant start to the current campaign and are top of the Premier League after 11 games.
The Gunners have also won all three of their matches in the Champions League and reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just five goals in all competitions and Mosquera believes the team’s mindset around defending is behind that.
“We’re very, very aware of what we have to do,” Mosquera told The Guardian. “The goal is our house and no one is allowed in, no one is allowed near our area.
“Then be dangerous in attack. There’s a tactical element of course - the movements - but I think a lot of it is a mental thing, attitude. Our house: do not enter.
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“Inside the dressing room, we believe in ourselves. We know what we’re capable of, we know where we can go.
“The manager and staff tell us: to enjoy defending. Those typical actions where you make a tackle or a block: celebrate them. That gives life to the team, brings energy.
“That’s important and this group has it. Look at those moments when the entire team is running back. That’s a fundamental part of this season.”
The defender was a fan of Arsenal growing up, however he has revealed that Arteta was key to getting a deal over the line this summer.
“In fact, my team was Arsenal,” said Mosquera. “The players, the shirt. I saw them as a bit different: they had something, an aura.
“Before I had decided, someone in my camp said: ‘The moment you speak to Mikel, there’s no way he won’t convince you.’
“And that’s exactly how it happened. When the call finished, my destination couldn’t have been clearer.
“He (Arteta) really lives for football, he was raised on it, experienced everything. You see that when he talks.
“He loves the detail, sees things other eyes might not. I’m so happy with him. He’s an incredible person and he’s helping me a lot. The staff have made it easy. Arsenal is an incredible club.”
Mosquera has settled quickly at Arsenal and impressed when called upon, most notably at Anfield back in August.
The 21-year-old is enjoying life in London and is filling part of his spare time by studying.
“I studied sports science before but I’ve started an online university degree in interior design,” said Mosquera.
“It’s something I’ve always found attractive and I thought: ‘Why not?
“In the first few weeks, you really appreciate having so many Spanish speakers but I’m doing well with my English.
“I’m taking a lot of classes. I understand almost everything and I get by quite well speaking.
“I spoke a bit from school and studied more the last few years, so I didn’t come as raw as I might have.
“The team talks are always in English. We’re in London and this is Arsenal. Anyway, with football language, it’s easier.”