Jamie Redknapp has claimed that centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is ‘a little rash’ when defending for Arsenal and a weakness under Mikel Arteta.
The Sky pundit added that Gabriel tries to ‘win every ball’, as he highlighted his mistakes in Arsenal colour this season – the goal he gave away against Fulham, his penalty against Tottenham and his jittery performance against Liverpool.
Last season, Gabriel played alongside Ben White at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, with Mikel Arteta’s side missing out on the Champions League places on the final day of the season.
Arsenal’s issues wasn’t their defence, in fact, both Gabriel and White produced strong seasons, it was when the injuries hit that the problems started to mount for Arteta.
Despite that, with the highly-rated William Saliba returning to north London after another loan spell, he was questioning where he fits in under Arteta.
The former midfielder didn’t hesitate to throw the Frenchman straight into the XI, alongside Gabriel, and push White to right-back, which after 11 games, has proved to be a genius move.
Nonetheless, whilst Redknapp shared that he has been ‘impressed’ with Arsenal, he thinks Gabriel has some issues at the back, as he told Sky Sports Football (23/10/22 at 1:50 pm).
“I have been so impressed with Arsenal,” said Redknapp. “But if you were to look at an area where you can get a bit of success, then it’s against Gabriel.
“He has had a few problems. He gave a goal away against Fulham, a penalty against Tottenham and against Liverpool, he looked shaky at times.
“He can be a little rash. He tries to win every ball.”
SALIBA OUTPERFORMING GABRIEL
Since Gabriel made a £27 million transfer to Arsenal in 2020 (Sky Sports), he could have argued that he became the key figure at the back for the club.
But with Saliba now in the building, new, improved and with experience, the 21-year-old could argue that he is now the main man at the back.
During these first few months of the season, he hasn’t just been one of his side’s best players, but one of the best in the whole Premier League itself.
Now it’s a case of continuing this form for when the crunch moments of the season arrive and that will come post-the World Cup in Qatar.
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