Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week that Arsenal defender Gabriel can learn from Manchester City’s Nathan Ake. The Dutch defender was on the winning side, against Arsenal and Gabriel on Saturday.
Gabriel, 24, has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s side under Mikel Arteta this season. The Brazilian even clocked up his 50th appearance for the Gunners during Saturday’s late 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
He has been a regular for Arsenal. But for Netherlands international Ake, it has been a different story. The ex-Chelsea man has struggled with injuries since his £40million (GOAL) move from Bournemouth in 2020.
But on Saturday, it was Ake that came out on top – producing a marvellous goalline clearance to deny the Gunners. Meanwhile, Gabriel was sent off for a second yellow – allowing City to go on and win, Rodri scoring late on.
Garth Crooks had his say: “Gabriel could take a note out of Ake’s book when it comes to keeping a cool head. Why Arsenal were so aggrieved by Gabriel’s sending off I don’t know. Gabriel totally lost it against Manchester City.”
Crooks on Gabriel and Ake: Criticism of Arsenal star fair?
The ex-Lille defender has been brilliant this season. Forming a partnership with Ben White, the duo have been the backbone to Arsenal’s top-four form this season. But as Crooks says, he lost it on Saturday.
Perhaps that is what Manchester City do to you, they are so good at the moment – that they can bring the worst out of you. Gabriel will remain confident, dust himself down, serve a ban and then go again.
But his performance against Manchester City will certainly be a learning curve for Gabriel. Indeed, Gabriel has only just turned 24 and is still learning. Arsenal will need him during the second half of the season.
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