Gabby Agbonlahor has told TalkSPORT Edge that Arsenal defender Gabriel “annoys” him because the Brazilian often has a mistake in him – speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle United on Tuesday night, at The Emirates.
Gabriel, 25, has missed just one of Arsenal’s 24 games in all competitions – rested in a Europa League away trip against Bodo/Glimt. Clearly, Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are a better side when the ex-Lille defender is in the 11.
In that time, Arsenal have conceded just 20 goals – keeping 11 clean sheets. So, impressive numbers from a player that is yet to win his first international cap. He has also scored twice this season, netting 10 goals in his 93 Arsenal games.
A mainstay of Arteta’s side – but Agbonlahor is not convinced. Comparing the Arsenal and Newcastle sides ahead of Tuesday night’s top-of-the-table clash in London, Agbonlahor picked £3m Newcastle man Schar ahead of Gabriel.
“Gabriel annoys me sometimes, because he has got a mistake in him. I’m going to go with Fabian Schar,” Agbonlahor told TalkSPORT Edge, ahead of the 0-0 draw which sees the Gunners go eight points clear at the top of the league.
Arsenal defender Gabriel annoys Agbonlahor, always has a mistake in him
Harsh on Gabriel, who has been a colossus at the back for the Gunners and Arteta this season. But, there is an element of that with Gabriel – a rush of blood to the head, a bit of impulsivity that sometimes catches the Brazilian out.
However, he has been excellent for the Gunners this season – a weapon in both boxes. He will continue to be first choice alongside France star William Saliba at the back. A player that Agbonlahor described as a young Rio Ferdinand.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal’s eight-point lead remains intact going into the weekend. Manchester City face a tough test in going to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. A win would reduce the lead to five points.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
