Thomas Frank has defended Gabriel Magalhaes for his performance during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against West Ham United on Sunday and how football is ‘mental’ sometimes.
Not only did Gabriel Magalhaes give away a penalty after Thomas Partey was dispossessed of the ball by Declan Rice, but he also started booting the ball forward when playing out from the back, rather than keeping ‘calm’ and ‘composed’.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank stated that the Arsenal centre-back is a ‘great’ player and he is someone who will get ‘better and better’ despite a game to forget against the Hammers.
At 0-0, 1-0 and 2-0, Arsenal were fairing well against David Moyes’ side, before they proceeded to relax and were then punished.
That’s when Said Benrahma converted from the penalty spot and West Ham pulled a goal back, and then, the pressure on the Arsenal players was there for all to see.
Gabriel was highlighted for playing in a panicked manner, but Thomas Frank stated that it’s the crazy ways of football sometimes, as he told The Final Word on Premier League Productions (17/04/23 at 10:45 pm).
“It’s interesting because he’s a great player,” said Frank. “We have played them twice and I think he is a fantastic centre-back. I think he will get better and better.
“In other games, he would just chest it down calm and composed. Football is so mental in confidence and in games. How it can change. It can happen to everyone.”
ARSENAL NOT BEING THEMSELVES
The issue for Arsenal is that, after a great opening half an hour or so during their last two games, they have stopped doing what has got them to the top of the table this season.
Then they have conceded that goal, and that’s when the pressure has hit the fan.
Whilst it has been a few weeks of morale-sapping results for the team, it’s still in their hands, and if they avoid defeat at the Etihad, as it stands, and see off their remaining games, then they will be champions of England.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
