Garth Crooks raves about Gabriel after Arsenal beat Manchester United

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Garth Crooks has lavished praise on Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes for his performance in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.

The BBC Sport pundit named the central defender in his Team of the Week and beamed about the Brazilian.

Gabriel has been a revelation since his arrival from Lille in the summer. His form has helped Arsenal replace a soft underbelly for an organised rearguard.

Mikel Arteta enjoyed a sound transfer window, with Gabriel already looking a steal at £27 million.

His presence in defence has seen a new-found calmness in the Gunners defensive unit, whether Arteta goes with a three of a four-man backline.

Crooks was certainly impressed with how he coped with Manchester United, naming him among his star players for the week.

He told BBC Sport: “Sunday’s win at Manchester United was one of the best Arsenal performances I’ve seen for some time. I criticised Mikel Arteta the last time he was in Manchester for playing a team without a recognised centre-forward. Not so at Old Trafford.

“The Arsenal manager laid his stall out perfectly and restricted United to a handful of chances. Gabriel was at the heart of an outstanding defensive display by the Gunners.”

Thomas Partey has won a lot of plaudits since arriving on transfer deadline day – but Gabriel is arguably the better signing.

Arsenal were desperate for some solidity at the heart of their defence and Gabriel has certainly added that.

David Luiz has even looked more assured alongside the youngster with his presence telling.

The 22-year-old has leapfrogged the club’s other defenders in the pecking order and Arsenal look to be on the right track with Gabriel.

Arteta’s men are next in action on Thursday when they travel to Norway to face Molde.