What Gabriel Magalhaes did immediately after full-time after beating Tottenham

09/16/2024 06:45 AM

It seems bizarre to consider that Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was fighting for his spot in Mikel Arteta's defence this time last season.

Gabriel failed to start all three of Arsenal's opening Premier League games amid speculation that the defender was of interest to clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Of course, after that brief hiatus, Gabriel was restored to Arsenal's XI and afterwards he never looked at risk of losing his starting spot again.

That being said, when Riccardo Calafiori was signed this summer, some may have wondered if the Italian was eventually intended to replace Gabriel in Arteta's strongest back four.

However, on evidence of the Brazilian's displays so far this season, he's now one of the first names on the team sheet.

Gabriel was immense against Tottenham Hotspur, a player who embodies all of Arteta's ideas.

Gabriel turns to Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover straight after Tottenham win

Arsenal's imposing Brazilian put the Gunners ahead in the 64th minute of the game, heading home Bukayo Saka's inviting corner.

In all honesty, Guglielmo Vicario's starting position was arguably even more inviting than the corner itself – the keeper was glued to his line.

READ MORE: Kai Havertz says what Tottenham do a lot after Arsenal beat them in North London derby

Of course, that may in part be because of Arsenal's reputation and prowess at set-pieces, Vicario had already come and flapped at one corner in the first half.

Interestingly, as could be seen during Sky Sports' coverage of the game, Gabriel went to Nicolas Jover, Arsenal's set-piece coach, immediately after full time.

The defender embraced Jover, just as Arteta had when Gabriel's header had just flown in.

Jover has evidently been a superb addition in north London, and he's appreciated by all those around him.

Paris Saint-Germain interested in Gabriel

As well as keeping an eye on William Saliba, French giants Paris Saint-Germain had representatives in N17 on Sunday watching Gabriel's progress.

PSG are interested in signing Gabriel in the future, who previously played for Lille in Ligue 1.

Fortunately, Arsenal have begun contract talks with Gabriel, partly to warn off any advances for the centre-back.

Even with Calafiori on board, the 26-year-old is integral to Arteta's plans, a player who also has an exemplary availability record.

And with Saliba and Gabriel at the back, Arsenal should definitely be winning silverware this season.