Garth Crooks raves about Gabriel as Arsenal defeat Fulham

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BBC Sport pundit has named new Arsenal signing Gabriel in his Team of the Week after raving about his display in the Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham.

The Brazilian checked in at the Emirates Stadium from Lille during pre-season and marked his debut in English football with a goal during the 3-0 win.

A 22-year-old center-back, Gabriel cost the Gunners £23 million from the Ligue 1 outfit and he already looks like money well spent.

Mikel Arteta will have been impressed with what he saw from his new recruit, as was Crooks who says the left-footed performer caught the eye.

He told BBC Sport: “I thought Arsenal’s first-half performance at Fulham was impressive, especially the contribution of Kieran Tierney. However, it was Gabriel who caught my eye.

“The 22-year-old Brazilian looked commanding at the back and comfortable on the ball. Arsenal seem to benefit from the inspired additions of Gabriel and Willian to the set-up – and they suddenly look a team with options.”

Gabriel looked in fine form at Craven Cottage and it will have delighted Arteta to see him off to a flying start in the Premier League.

Of course, Gabriel hasn’t been signed to score goals and the fact he kept a clean sheet will perhaps delight his boss even more.

Arsenal finished eighth in the Premier League last season and Arteta knows that he must do better this season.

Revival

Having only arrived in November of the 2019/20 campaign, he will certainly fancy his chances of doing better during his first full season in charge.

Arteta now has his own players – including Gabriel – and the ones who were in place will  benefit from continuing to work with such a meticulous coach.

The 2020/21 campaign could be a big one for Arsenal and Saturday needs to be a catalyst to become a feared team once more this season.