10 duels won: £27m Arsenal star delivers masterclass performance vs Sunderland alongside Raya & Bruno - view
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes delivered a fantastic defensive performance during the 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light yesterday.
The Gunners made it six straight wins in all competitions this season after a victory on Wearside. They had to battle it out and goalkeeper David Raya was world-class between the sticks.
The Spaniard made two exceptional saves, including one from the penalty spot. Bruno Guimaraes went on to open the scoring with a sensational strike, just two minutes later.
In the defensive scheme of things, Gabriel was rock-solid in the heart of the backline. Ezri Konsa had some trouble with Brian Brobbey’s hold-up play, while conceding a soft penalty.
Gabriel, on the other hand, was undoubtedly the best defender on the pitch. The Brazilian star received an 8/10 rating from Sofascore after a brilliant masterclass showing at the back.
The £27 million signing won an impressive 10 ground and aerial duels. He was a dominant presence in the air, particularly in the second half as the Gunners held onto a slender advantage.
Gabriel also made six clearances alongside two recoveries and two interceptions. He blocked a couple of shots on goal. He picked up a booking late on, much to everyone’s surprise.
Raya was undoubtedly the man of the match for two world-class saves on the night. Guimaraes was equally good with his phenomenal long-range goal, but Gabriel deserves special praise too.
A defensive misunderstanding between Raya and Gabriel contributed to Brobbey’s late stoppage-time equaliser in the same fixture (2-2 draw) last term. The pair had no miscommunication yesterday.
Gabriel has stepped up as a defensive leader in William Saliba’s long-term injury absence. Konsa struggled against Brobbey, but Gabriel provided good cover and made one huge interception in the box from a Malick Fofana cross.
The Brazilian should earn a well-deserved break in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Ipswich Town on the road. Manager Mikel Arteta is bound to make wholesale changes for the encounter.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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