Veteran defender Stephan Lichtsteiner helped keep Brazil at bay in Switzerland’s opening game in the World Cup in Russia, and Arsenal fans have flocked onto Twitter to react.
The score ended up 1-1 after a stunning first-half strike from Philippe Coutinho was cancelled out by Steven Zuber’s header from a corner in the 50th minute.
Right-back Lichtsteiner is joining Arsenal on a free transfer on July 1 from Juventus and for a lot of Gunners fans this was their first chance to see what they were getting.
And most Arsenal fans were very happy, with one fan saying that when he emptied his pockets he’d find Neymar in there.
Another said that he would be pushing Hector Bellerin hard for a starting place in Unai Emery’s team.
One thing is certain, if he doesn’t make the starting XI, he’ll provide brilliant back-up and his experience will be invaluable – last night’s game was his 101st cap for his country.
Here are the best reactions from Arsenal fans to their new defender:
Can not understand why everyone thinks #Lichtsteiner will automatically be@back-up. No chance! He is going to push #Bellerin hard #worldcup2018 #afc #arsenal
— Stuart (@StuartWilders) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner was immense. Its no simple task playing aginst both Neymar and Marcelo, but he handled it well. No nonsense, well drilled, sharp defender. #WelcomeLichtsteiner(#AFC) #BRA #SUI #BRASUI
— Ⓜ️bizO ???????? ???????? (@GoonerMbizo) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner and Xhaka were both solid. Think a lot of Arsenal fans will be happy with what they saw. #WorldCup #AFC
— Fabian Månsson (@fabianmansson) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner being subbed after playing a great match and giving his replacement advice and encouragement those qualities will do Arsenal no harm at all this coming season #AFC #afc
— James Rowe (@JamesRoweNL) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner already shown he's a better defender than Mustafi or Bellerin. Amazing skills like staying between your man and the goal. Not diving in. Using the touchline as a teammate. Incredible. #SUI #WorldCup #Arsenal #AFC
— Max Householder (@MaxHouseholder) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner certainly gets up & down the wing quite well for an old man ???? #afc
— Arsenal Mark (@arsenalfc_mark) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner sums up exactly what we’ve been missing for years. He has that grit when the going gets tough, leads by example, will make professional fouls when necessary & makes the game stop-start when required. Thought he was impressive tonight. Looks like a solid acquisition.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) June 17, 2018
Lichtsteiner when he empties his pocket tonight:
Wallet ✅
Car keys ✅
Neymar ✅— The Arsenal (@DareToWenger) June 17, 2018
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