Jurrien Timber hailed the performance of Cristhian Mosquera in Arsenal’s crucial 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Gunners kicked off their European campaign with a resilient display that eventually yielded two second half goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Victory, however, was built on yet another formidable defensive display which saw the home side’s attack blunted despite being roared on by a passionate crowd which had the San Mames rocking during the early stages

The Gunners have now kept four clean sheets from five matches in all competitions so far this season and are yet to concede from open play.

Arsenal’s defence has underpinned much of their success in recent times and Mikel Arteta appears to have added another gem to his backline in the shape of Mosquera.

Arguably the least heralded of his outfield signings this summer, the Spain Under-21 international has slotted in seamlessly since making his debut as a substitute for the injured William Saliba during a narrow defeat at Anfield.

The former Valencia star, who only cost an initial £13million, kept his place last night, despite Saliba being fit enough to make the bench, and Mikel Arteta faces a tough selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s box office clash against Manchester City.

Mosquera has certainly made a claim to retain his place and Timber has been impressed with his new teammate.

Reflecting on last night’s successful European away day, he said: ‘He does amazing especially as he’s still so young.

‘The way he’s come in, he makes it look so easy for himself, winning his duels and on the ball as well. It’s great to have him next to me and I think he has a huge future ahead of him as well.’

Arteta, meanwhile, was thrilled with the contribution of Martinelli who came off the bench to make an instant impact.

The Brazil international’s place is under threat as a consequence of the decision to invest so heavily in the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke but the winger proved his worth last night with a devastating burst of speed which presented him with the opportunity from which he broke the deadlock.

‘Fully deserved it,’ said Arteta after the game. ‘I adore Gabi; his attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he’s willing to do for the team.

‘Externally, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team, and I’m so happy that today he was important in the two actions.’

The bench made the difference.

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