Gabriel Magalhaes stats for Arsenal against Southampton prove his worth to Arteta

By Lee Connor

A number of Arsenal players put in fine performances as the Gunners saw off Southampton yesterday, but defender Gabriel Magalhaes is showing the sort of consistency to make him a top PL defender.

Gabriel found himself on the scoresheet yesterday against the Saints. He has been a threat all season from set-pieces, and yesterday’s effort was his second goal in the last seven Arsenal games. Further, he could have had another as well had it not been for VAR yesterday.

But away from his goal scoring threat in the opposition box, Gabriel is doing everything right defensively. Next to Ben White, he is slowly building a long-lasting partnership. It’s a pairing that Mikel Arteta will hope can lead the Gunners for the next decade.

And against Southampton, Gabriel had the stats to back up what was an impressive on-the-eye performance.

Gabriel Shines For Arsenal Against Southampton

In fairness to the rest of the Arsenal squad, you could pick out a number of players for praise. Takehiro Tomiyasu was excellent at the back, while Aaron Ramsdale impressed in goal.

However, Gabriel only played 69 minutes and was a monster throughout. Per stats from Whoscored, the Brazilian completed an impressive 88% of his passes. Within that, he made three of his five long-ball attempts, crucial for the Gunners in starting attacks.

Defensively, he made a team high five clearances. while also winning three aerial duels, second only to Tomiyasu.

Overall, it was the sort of defensive performance Mikel Arteta craves from his team. Gabriel did the basics of defending well, but was then brave on the ball to try and get things going from deep. That is how Arteta wants his team to play, and that is where Lacazette’s goal initiated from.

Previously, Mikel Arteta labelled Gabriel ‘terrific’ and predicted an ‘incredible future’ for the Brazilian. On yesterday’s evidence, you’d have to see the Spanish coach is being proven right.