Gabriel Magalhaes has been an ever presence in the heart of Arsenal’s defence since taking charge post that early season injury and the Brazilian has apparently added some flair with his presence on the dead balls – be it on the offence or on the back foot.
Mikel Arteta and his troops got back ono track on Saturday after a run of three defeats in four. The Gunners got the better of travelling Saints with Alexandre Lacazette and Martin Odegaard rounding up the first half, before Gabriel Magalhaes giving that cushion with his header off the corner in second.
It was an important win for Arsenal, particularly with another controversy going around Emirates about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing out at the weekend with disciplinary breach. But it was another impressive outing for Arsenal’s rejuvenated defence with Aaron Ramsdale making some august saves, Takehiro Tomiyasu putting in another shift at the right, and Kieran Tierney with yet another assist.
Though particularly, Garth Crooks has lauded the Brazilian as one of the central reasons why the Gunners have improved – while admitting to BBC Sport that the Arsenal being sixth in the table is some sort-of mystery to him.
“Arsenal weren’t at their best for much of the first half against Southampton but I don’t think they have been at their best at any point this season. In fact, how they are sixth in the table is a mystery to me,” Crooks told BBC Sport.
“Ever since they beat Spurs in the north London derby they seem to be grinding out games without playing particularly well. One of the reasons they have continued to improve under Mikel Arteta is the performances of Gabriel. Whenever the Brazilian is available, Arsenal look solid at the back and also a threat in attack.”
There is no doubt that Arsenal brought a massive bargain when they paid £23.14 million for Gabriel Magalhaes. While we remain a work-in-progress, some individuals have shown the glimpse of progress and this as a whole is going to be massive if it works out as Mikel dreams.
