Garth Crooks says Arsenal look a completely different team with Gabriel in defence

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Arsenal won out at Leicester City at the weekend with another impressive performance and BBC pundit, Garth Crooks, claims the Gunners are a different team with Brazilian defender Gabriel involved.

The impressive defender got himself on the scoresheet once again. But away from his attacking prowess, he was once again excellent alongside Ben White in the heart of the defence.

Gabriel has gradually grown into his role since arriving last year for a fee of around £23m. The arrival of White has only helped him further, and the Gunners now have a strong centre-back pairing.

And picking his team of the week, BBC pundit Garth Crooks has claimed that Arsenal are completely different when Gabriel plays.

“Arsenal often look a different outfit when Gabriel is fit and in the team. It would certainly appear since their victory in the north London derby, the Gunners’ season has come alive. It’s not the first time either team has used the fixture to stimulate their season but Arsenal seem to have done it in spectacular fashion,” Crooks wrote.

Gabriel missed the first few games of the season through injury. But since then, he’s made seven consecutive appearances.

TBR’s View: Gabriel exceptional for Arsenal

There is no doubting that Arsenal have pulled off great business in landing Gabriel, and then Ben White this summer too. They now have a defensive partnership that could be there for years.

Crucially, the Brazilian looks the business. He is classy on the ball but equally aggressive when he needs to be. He’s everything a modern day centre-back needs to be, really.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted with his man. He’s becoming a real presence and Crooks is right, Arsenal are better when he plays. If he can keep the consistency and keep fit, then the Gunners might well push for the top four after all.