Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has promised fans that they would enjoy new signing Piero Hincapié because he is a very good player, Softfootball reports.

The Ecuadorian centerback made his premier league debut as a substitute as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 courtesy a first half goal by former Eagles midfielder, Eberechi Eze.

In a post shared by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Arteta was praising the player and made a promise to Arsenal fans.

Arteta: Our fans are gonna love Piero Hincapié, mark my words. It’s great to have Piero on the pitch. You could sense immediately his aggression, his commitment in every action that he does.

Piero Hincapié joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. The deal includes an option to buy the 23-year-old defender for £45m (around €52 million). If the option is triggered, Hincapié has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract.

Hincapié enjoyed a fine debut against Crystal Palace, playing alongside Gabriel in the heart of Arsenal defense, they managed to keep a clean sheet. With William Saliba set to be out for a few matches after he picked a knock at the weekend, Arsenal fans will hope Hincapié can deliver top performance every week.

Arsenal are currently four points clear on top of the premier league and will return to action on Wednesday when they host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta has again underlined his evolving football philosophy, insisting he doesn’t separate open play from set pieces but views the sport as one continuous flow. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on October 26, 2025, the Gunners’ boss said, as posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account:

Look, I don’t see the game in open play and set pieces. I see the game in a different way.

His comments come as Arsenal prepare for another crucial London derby, having already extended their beautiful start to the season, as reported by Softfootball.

Arteta on Arsenal and set pieces: “Look, I don’t see the game in open play and set-pieces. I see the game in a different way”. pic.twitter.com/zyw8Qmv59d

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 25, 2025

Arteta believes football does not stop, stressing that transitions between phases are connected. That belief has driven Arsenal’s remarkable form this term. The Gunners have scored 10 set-piece goals in just eight league games — the earliest any team has hit double digits in Premier League history. Their precision was also evident in the 4–0 demolition of Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, as reported by Softfootball.

Arteta’s focus on dead-ball dominance started a decade ago. He revealed:

Ten years ago, I said it’s a massive thing to do. I started to have a vision, implement a method, and surround myself with the best people to deliver that.

That’s how Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, became a vital figure in the project.

Despite critics saying Arsenal rely too heavily on set plays — with only five open-play goals this season — Arteta remains unmoved. He said:

No, not at all. Football’s not open play and set pieces. It’s one whole game.

With just three league goals conceded, Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the Premier League. Arteta believes that’s no coincidence. He said:

The teams with the best defensive records, most of the time, win the title. The stronger we are with the foundations, the more probability we have of winning.

His message is clear — for Arsenal, set pieces are not shortcuts; they are part of a bigger, flowing idea. Football, as Arteta sees it, is never static. It’s always learning, always moving.

Mikel Arteta has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal fans before Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace, asking them to bring their energy and support to the Emirates Stadium, Softfootball reports.

At Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press Conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, he emphasized the crucial role supporters play in helping the team perform at their best.

The Gunners shared an insightful perspective from head coach Mikel Arteta, via their official X handle;

"The atmosphere is one of the most important things, and I love that."

Mikel on the Emirates Stadium energy https://t.co/g9z3lg2bz8 pic.twitter.com/uKBK0HngfE

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 24, 2025

Arteta suggested that the presence of fans is crucial, not just for attendance but for their active participation in the game atmosphere. He said:

Key, capital, one of the most important things and I love that because we don’t expect supporters to turn up to the stadium.

We don’t expect supporters to just turn up to the stadium, We want them to play the game with us, which is very different.

Softfootball reported how Arsenal fans were left frustrated after a 1–1 draw with Manchester City, questioning Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach and the team’s lack of creativity. But just days later, the mood completely shifted. Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with the fans playing a major role in that victory.

The discussion about the Emirates atmosphere came after the win, where the pre-match light show and half-time screen prompts kept supporters engaged. Arsenal fans rejoiced as Gyökeres inspired another European masterclass.

The Gunners shared a video of Arteta on their official X handle, urging supporters to be in their seats early, showing energy and positive body language from the very first whistle. Watch below:

Powered by your passion pic.twitter.com/IG1YvpdeCe

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 24, 2025

After a big midweek performance, Arteta knows the team will need another strong push from the stands. He acknowledges the physical and mental toll of recent games and sees the upcoming match as a test of resilience and focus.

He hopes the Emirates will once again be full of noise, colour, and passion, turning the fans’ support into a driving force for another important win.