Decision on Piero Hincapie leaves Mikel Arteta in tough spot after Sunderland clash

Ultimately, the absence of substitutions was detrimental to Arsenal. The team’s fatigue became apparent, diminishing their usual pressing effectiveness.

The Gunners lost their shape late on, struggling to deal with Sunderland’s crosses into the box.

Cristhian Mosquera was brought on for Eberechi Eze, but that move only seemed to drop Arsenal even further back.

That said, Mikel Arteta’s biggest misstep was not just about who came off – it was more about who stayed on the bench.

Having only recently returned to contention, Hincapie clearly possesses all the necessary attributes for a game like the one at Sunderland, given how it unfolded.

His pace and aggression would have helped push Arsenal higher up the pitch, rather than leaving them camped deep in their own half.

He knows when to break up play and how to slow things down when needed – something Arsenal lacked as Sunderland piled on late pressure.

It is a strange decision not to use him, especially given his recent loan move and discussions about making his stay permanent this summer.

Piero Hincapie yet to find his rhythm at Arsenal

Hincapie’s arrival at Arsenal during the summer window was not something many saw coming, but his reputation suggested he would add real value to the squad.

He suffered a groin injury shortly after signing, limiting him to just one minute on the pitch before getting back into action between late October and early November.

He has played most of his minutes in central defence, though he is equally comfortable filling in at left-back when needed.

Arteta may have been managing his workload after two starts in quick succession, but even a short cameo against Sunderland could have made a difference late on.

It has been a quiet introduction to life at Arsenal for Hincapie, but with a packed fixture list ahead, he will have opportunities to make a stronger impression.