Gabriel Magalhaes began this season on the bench, a decision that surprised many Arsenal fans given his strong performances alongside William Saliba in the heart of the Gunners’ defence the previous season.
In the first game of the season, Mikel Arteta opted to use Ben White as a centre-back alongside Saliba, with Thomas Partey deployed as a right-back. This tactical choice left many Arsenal supporters puzzled.
However, the injury to Jurrien Timber, among other factors, provided Gabriel with an opportunity, and he seized it by delivering an impressive performance against Manchester United.
Following his standout display for Arsenal in that game, former Arsenal player Kevin Campbell insists that the former Lille player can no longer be left on the bench. Gabriel’s performance has made a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup.
He told The Gooners Pod:
“We have not played anywhere near the way we can play. For me, I want Gabriel and Saliba to play every game. I do, Mikel Arteta knows against certain teams you can get away with not playing Gabriel, and I’m sure there’ll be times Saliba doesn’t play.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Gabriel is a superb player and has shown every time he steps on the field in our shirt that he is committed to this team.
We expect more from him, but if we are to better our achievement of last season, he is a player we need on the pitch.
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Have long known the now Brazilian international was a rare breed of left sided center back.
My take that the experiment will come to an end when we face Man United is well documented.
The reason the gaffer dropped the Brazilian at the start of the season we may never know.
But one thing for sure Gabriel Magalhaes will be needed against a powerful, physical Onana and company at Merseyside.
Another player that was used as a scapegoat until recently is the one and only Granit Xhaka.
The former Arsenal man is having the same impact at Leverkusen as Declan Rice is having for Arsenal.
No player in the Bundesliga has made more progressive passes than Xhaka, with an astonishing 34.
The former Arsenal man is in a world of his own when it comes to passes into the final third.
An amazing 42 passes into the final third after just three games, with the closest opponents competitors in the 20 s.
Maybe Arsenal should get some added form of compensation, given what is happening in today’s ridiculous market, Xhaka to Leverkusen at £21 mill was a steal if you ask me.