Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the northern London derby yesterday thanks to a bullet header from Gabriel Magalhaes.
Several players put in top performances for the Gunners, but there was only one unanimous candidate for man of the match – the goalscorer, Gabriel.
Gabriel scored the only goal of the game and put in an excellent defensive display, adeptly marshalling Spurs striker Dominic Solanke.
Pundits have been singing his praise for his stellar showing. Alan Shearer hailed the 26-year-old defender as outstanding on The Rest is Football podcast.
Shearer said: “Gabriel, who I thought was absolutely fantastic, not only for the goal but for his overall performance. He was superb.”
Gary Lineker hailed Gabriel’s partnership with William Saliba as very strong before praising the Brazilian individually.
“Gabriel is a warrior, isn’t he?” Lineker continued. “He is a player you’d really want on your side, and he does chip in with the odd goal.”
Gabriel dominated his box against Tottenham and gave nothing away. He won two of his three aerial duels. He made two tackles and an interception while blocking two shots.
Arsenal’s defensive resolve limited Spurs to hitting hopeful balls into the box, and they dealt with them easily. The Gunners have closed the gap with Manchester City and now sit just below the Premier League champions at the summit.
Next, in the Premier League, the two contenders face off in a match that could have a massive bearing on where the title goes at the end of the season. Arsenal’s watertight defence will be crucial as they bid to down City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
They must hold the in-form Erling Braut Haaland, who has started this season in sensational form with nine goals in four games.
Both will have Champions League football on their mind first as the newly revamped tournament kicks off this week.
