‘I didn’t expect this’: Arteta says two Arsenal players have surprised him

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After back-to-back defeats in the Premier League to Manchester City and Leicester, Arsenal bounced back with a brilliant victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the winner, while Mohamed Elneny had arguably his best game in an Arsenal shirt. However, the standout performers at Old Trafford were summer signings Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes.

The Ghanaian ran the show in the middle of the park and deservedly won the man of the match award. Gabriel barely put a foot wrong at the back and dealt with United’s attackers without any problems.

Coming into the Premier League from a different country is never easy, and it often takes a few weeks, or even months, to adjust to the speed of the game. However, Partey and Gabriel have settled in without any problems and that has surprised many, including Mikel Arteta.

Arteta: Gabriel and Partey have impressed

“I’m really pleased with the way our new players have settled so quickly,” Arteta wrote in his column on Arsenal’s Official Matchday Programme ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash against Molde.

“They play with a lot of maturity and look like they’ve been here much longer than they have. Don’t forget, Thomas and Gabriel are completely new to this league. Honestly, I didn’t expect this level from them so soon because I know how tough this league is – you cannot compare it to any other league in the world.”

Partey is a world-class midfielder who has played lots of big games for Atletico Madrid over the years. The Ghanaian settling in as quickly as he has isn’t that big a surprise, but Gabriel deserves loads of credit.

The Brazilian came in from a less-physical league in France and has had no problems whatsoever. The former Lille man is still only 22, but the way he has dealt with the challenges put in front of him make it seem like he is a lot older.

Arsenal finally have a brilliant spine thanks to the signings of Gabriel and Partey. Gunners fans will hoping that they have enough firepower now to challenge the best teams in the Premier League, and the win at Old Trafford will give them to confidence to do just that.