Mikel Arteta's men at Fratton Park, David Luiz has since hailed his centre back partner for his 'amazing' display

                                                                                                                                                                                 The Gunners booked their place in the FA Cup quarter finals thanks to goals in either half from Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah at Fratton Park on Monday night.

And Mari looked extremely composed at the back as Arsenal weathered an early Portsmouth storm to keep a very welcome clean sheet. Following the final whistle on the south coast, Luiz hailed 'great guy' and 'great player' Mari as he finally made his first start for the club after returning to full fitness. The 32-year-old, who captained Arsenal on Monday, told the Club's official website: 'I'm so happy for Pablo, he's a great guy, a great player and he had an amazing game so we are here to help each other and we are here, 25 players, ready to play, ready to play for Arsenal and ready to give the best job.

'When it's like that it's a pleasure to play football as I will say to the guys, especially to these young lads who are starting football. They are starting with a great opportunity at a big club and they are doing great, so it's a pleasure to play with them.'

It had been a slow start to life in north London for Mari following his initial loan move from Brazilian side Flamengo in January.

Mari arrived on a six-month loan for a fee of around £4million but he will then join the club permanently in the summer with further add-ons.