12 clearances, 6 duels won, 4 recoveries: £45m star was Arsenal's best player alongside Gabriel vs Brighton
Arsenal registered a 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in Wednesday’s Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium.
The Gunners struggled to create clear-cut chances with just two shots on target but still prevailed with three points.
Bukayo Saka found the net in the ninth minute with the help of a deflection, which put the ball beyond goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
However, it was Arsenal’s defence that contributed heavily to the hard-fought victory over the Seagulls on the South Coast.
Gabriel Magalhaes was handed the man of the match after his dominating performance in the heart of the defence.
The Brazilian won seven duels and made a stunning 14 clearances to ensure Arsenal kept a 14th clean sheet in the league season.
However, Hincapie was equally as good and could have easily received the man of the match from the broadcasters.
The Ecuadorian started as a left-back for the Gunners, but moved into the right centre-back role at the hour mark.
Despite the change of positions, he had a flawless defensive display, winning six duels and making 12 clearances.
Hincapie, who had 58 touches, also made four recoveries, including one on Georginio Rutter at the edge of the box.
The 23-year-old signed for the Gunners on a season-long loan on deadline day from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
He had a nervy start but has grown in confidence as the season has progressed, becoming one of the club’s best performers.
Arsenal have an option to buy him for £45 million this summer, and it appears a no-brainer decision to trigger the clause. The plans are underway to do so.
Hincapie should be fully rested for the FA Cup fifth-round tie at Mansfield Town on Saturday.
He should be back in the starting XI for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie at Leverkusen on Wednesday.
UEFA rules don’t permit any loan restrictions, and therefore, Hincapie is eligible to face his parent club in the Champions League.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
The post 12 clearances, 6 duels won, 4 recoveries: £45m star was Arsenal's best player alongside Gabriel vs Brighton first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.