Although it wasn’t the most pulsating attacking performance, Arsenal’s win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday felt like a real barometer of their progress.
Mikel Arteta has long been striving to make Arsenal the best defensive outfit in the Premier League, and that has been achieved.
However, in their pursuit to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title, it was said that the Gunner’s lacked the squad depth to compete, they couldn’t replace a player like their rivals.
As a result, many believed that Arsenal would be heading to N17 in pursuit of a draw – the best they could get without Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
However, that wasn’t the case, even if Arsenal did sit in and defend valiantly for periods.
Gabriel Magalhaes showered in praise after crucial Arsenal winner
As they did against Aston Villa, Arsenal soaked up pressure and waited for their moment to come away from home – there was never any panic.
Under Arteta’s guidance, this team trusts themselves to keep a clean sheet, they know that they will often only need to score one goal even against the best of teams.
And on Sunday in the North London derby, it was Gabriel Magalhaes’ turn to step forward, a defender who now appears to be an absolute bargain considering the £27m Arsenal paid.
Gabriel was monstrous at the back, and his eyes lit up when Guglielmo Vicario was glued to his line in familiar fashion when Bukayo Saka delivered his corner, ready to nod home with ease.
That being said, after the win and his goal, Gabriel took to Instagram to celebrate, sharing a caption that read: “What a Feeling!! Thank you GOD!!!”
A host of Gabriel’s international and club teammates replied, including his centre-back partner, William Saliba, and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Jurrien Timber shouldn’t go under the radar vs Tottenham
Among all the excellent performances for Arsenal, Jurrien Timber certainly shouldn’t be ignored.
The Dutchman was robbed of his debut season in north London last term, and he’s now shining when fit.Arsenal have had a big issue at left-back over the past few seasons – Oleksandr Zinchenko has often come unstuck on such occasions.
However, Timber stood tall, managing the emotion of the game as well as his opposition winger.
Gabriel Martinelli wasn’t at his best offensively for Arsenal ahead of Timber, but the duo still nullified Spurs’ attacking threat on the left – two players who understand Arteta’s demands.
