Arsenal's greatest transfer mistake: Cozier-Duberry's stats are mind-blowing

Amario Cozier-Duberry impressed again on Saturday as Middlesbrough drew 2-2 with Cardiff City at the Riverside Stadium.

Will Lankshear scored the equaliser for the home side, who came from behind to secure a point after Brian Barry-Murphy's relegation-threatened side had flown into a shock 2-0 lead.

The 21-year-old is on loan from Brighton this season after enjoying a fantastic stint with Bolton Wanderers in League One in the last campaign.

Cozier-Duberry scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions, despite spending months of the season ruled out with a ligament injury.

The former Arsenal talent had no shortage of suitors this summer off the back of the campaign but ultimately chose Middlesbrough, where he has already netted twice and provided three assists.

Cozier-Duberry left the Gunners in 2024 after struggling to see a pathway to the first team, with that decision looking set to come back to haunt them.

Amario Cozier-Duberry impresses in stats vs Cardiff

As much as Arsenal wanted to keep Cozier-Duberry at the club, there was always going to be a massive problem for his future.

The winger plays on the right of the attack, where Bukayo Saka is and will be for several more years for the Gunners.

Still, given that Cozier-Duberry is set to spend his second consecutive year at Brighton out on loan, it seems implausible that the Gunners did not offer the same.

If they did not, then they have lost a potentially very valuable talent. The 21-year-old's ability was on show again for Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Cozier-Duberry assisted Lankshear's equaliser and created another chance, taking a remarkable eight shots on himself.

The winger took 14 touches in the opposition box - the most of anyone - and attempted countless dribbles and crosses.

Cozier-Duberry got his defensive duties done, too, making two tackles, an interception, four recoveries and winning four duels.

Why Cozier-Duberry left Arsenal

Cozier-Duberry was in the Arsenal academy for five years before he eventually gave up on a future in the first team.

The youngster had appeared in friendlies but ultimately decided that his chances would always be limited.

"It was a very big decision [to leave Arsenal],” he told Brighton after making the switch. “But I am very happy with my decision so far and I really like it here. I am enjoying it. Everyone is very welcoming.

"It was about opportunity. I felt it was the best next step in my career.”