Gabriel Magalhaes went from villain to hero for Arsenal on Saturday.
The Gunners preserved their 100 percent start to the Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly-promoted Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, now picking up 12 points from a possible 12.
But Arsenal had to come from behind to do so after Aleksander Mitrovic fired the Cottagers ahead in the second half.
The Brazilian defender dithered in possession and had his pocket picked by Mitrovic, who finished well beyond Aaron Ramsdale.
Martin Odegaard responded with a deflected equaliser, before Gabriel atoned for his earlier error by bundling the ball home from a corner following Bernd Leno’s weak punch.
And Ben White, a £50 million signing by Arsenal last summer, has lavished praise on his teammate, claiming the response from Gabriel was just ‘outstanding’.
He told the North Londoners’ official website: “It’s outstanding. Gabi had a little hiccup and the reaction that he gave was outstanding and helped us get the win, really. I think the attitude and the desire we all have every day in training is showing on the pitch now.”
There were jubilant scenes at full time as Arsenal players – and manager Mikel Arteta – celebrated in front of an orchestra of home supporters.
Richard Keys slammed the excessive celebration on BeIN Sport, particularly singling out Arteta.
But this was a big test for the Emirates Stadium.
Okay so Fulham are hardly Manchester City, but Arsenal still had to dig deep to find a win – their fourth in a row in the Premier League – and Gabriel played a major role in that.
If not for his goal, the complexion would’ve been much different.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
