Garth Crooks reacts to Gabriel display in Arsenal win

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Garth Crooks has lauded Gabriel Magalhaes as one of the reasons why Arsenal continue to improve as he admitted to BBC Sport that the Gunners being sixth in the Premier League table is a mystery to him.

Mikel Arteta’s men got back on track somewhat on Saturday after three defeats in four. Arsenal beat Southampton 3-0 at the Emirates at the weekend. Alexandre Lacazette and Martin Odegaard scored in the first-half, before Gabriel rounded off the scoring after the break.

It was an important win for Arsenal, particularly with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing the game due a breach of discipline.

But it was also another impressive showing from their back five; with Aaron Ramsdale making some sublime saves, Takehiro Tomiyasu being lauded by the supporters, and Kieran Tierney providing another assist.

For Gabriel, Saturday proved to be another superb occasion. The Brazilian appears to have stepped his game up considerably this term, forming a brilliant partnership with Ben White.

‘Whenever the Brazilian is available, Arsenal look solid’

Crooks insisted that he is still yet to be convinced by Arsenal as a whole. However, he claimed that Gabriel has been pivotal as he named the 23-year-old in his team of the week.

“Arsenal weren’t at their best for much of the first half against Southampton but I don’t think they have been at their best at any point this season. In fact, how they are sixth in the table is a mystery to me,” he told BBC Sport.

“Ever since they beat Spurs in the north London derby they seem to be grinding out games without playing particularly well. One of the reasons they have continued to improve under Mikel Arteta is the performances of Gabriel. Whenever the Brazilian is available, Arsenal look solid at the back and also a threat in attack.”

Gabriel potentially the biggest bargain amongst Arsenal defence

Arsenal’s back five have been fantastic for the large part of this season. They sit in mid-table for goals conceded. But a large portion of those goals that they have let in came against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.

That highlights that they remain a work in progress. But there is no doubt that they appear to be developing extremely well. And Gabriel – who cost the club £23.14 million – may prove to be the biggest bargain of the quintet.