BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks believes that Arsenal are a different team whenever Gabriel Magalhaes is fit and firing for the north London side.
Writing in his Team of the Week post, the former Tottenham star lauded the Brazilian defender for his performance against Leicester City. Whilst Aaron Ramsdale stole the headlines, Gabriel was also sensational on the day.
The £23m 2020 signing from LOSC Lille scored the opening goal and was solid at the back alongside Ben White. The duo have formed a brilliant partnership since Gabriel’s return from injury in September.
Since the formation of the Gabriel/White defensive partnership, Arsenal are unbeaten in all competitions. And for Crooks, the Gunners look like a completely different side whenever the Brazilian is in the starting XI.
The pundit said: “Arsenal often look a different outfit when Gabriel is fit and in the team. It would certainly appear since their victory in the north London derby, the Gunners’ season has come alive.
“It’s not the first time either team has used the fixture to stimulate their season but Arsenal seem to have done it in spectacular fashion.”
Gabriel has become undroppable for Arsenal
The form of the 23-year-old is perhaps not too much of a surprise. After all, Gabriel was Arsenal’s player of the month on three separate occasions last season. Yet this time around, it feels different.
Alongside White, Arsenal have transformed into one of the best defensive sides in the Premier League. And Gabriel will no doubt be a key player for Mikel Arteta’s side, who keep flying up the Premier League table.
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