
Mikel Arteta has been working hard to transform Arsenal into the Premier League’s best defensive side, and that goal has now been realized. Despite this, when it comes to challenging Manchester City for the league title, critics argued that Arsenal lacked the squad depth necessary to compete at the highest level.
Unlike City, Arsenal was seen as unable to adequately replace key players, and as a result, many assumed the team would head to Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium hoping to scrape a draw in the North London derby, especially without the presence of stars like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
However, that assumption was proven wrong. While Arsenal did have moments of sitting back and defending diligently, they demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and bide their time, just as they did in a previous game against Aston Villa.
Arteta’s side remained composed and patient, showing no signs of panic even when under pressure. This calmness stems from the team’s confidence in their defensive capabilities, with the belief that keeping a clean sheet gives them a strong chance of securing victory with just a single goal.
In Sunday’s derby, Gabriel Magalhaes emerged as the key player, making a significant contribution to Arsenal’s victory. The Brazilian defender, who was signed for £27 million, has proven to be an outstanding bargain for the club.
His solid performance at the back was highlighted when he capitalized on a corner delivered by Bukayo Saka, easily heading the ball past Spurs’ goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who remained glued to his line. Gabriel’s commanding presence in defense was a crucial factor in Arsenal’s win.
Following the game, Gabriel took to Instagram to express his joy, sharing a celebratory post with the caption: “What a Feeling!! Thank you GOD!!!” His post was met with responses from his teammates, including fellow defender William Saliba and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who both congratulated him on his performance. Gabriel’s influence, both on and off the pitch, continues to grow as Arsenal solidifies its position as a top contender in the Premier League.
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