BBC pundit Garth Crooks has singled out Arsenal centre-back Gabriel for praise after his role in helping the Gunners secure a 1-0 win against Burnley at the weekend.
The Brazilian needed to be at the top of his game to help keep a clean sheet at Turf Moor and, when naming him his team of the week Crooks said that, while others contributed, Gabriel is the one who should be thanked by manager Mikel Arteta:
“Boy, do Arsenal need Gabriel in their team. The hug that took place between Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel at the end of the game said just how much a second clean sheet in consecutive games meant to Arsenal’s defensive unit. Ben White also played his part in a set-up that coped well against Burnley.”
It is no coincidence that Arsenal have looked far more secure at the back since the return of Gabriel to the starting lineup. He was badly missed when he was sidelined with a knee injury.
Of course, there will be sterner challenges than Norwich and Burnley but the physical test which the Clarets, in particular, pose meant it was never going to be an easy afternoon on Saturday.
Gabriel stood up to be counted, making a number of important clearances and tackles, to ensure his team got their second victory in a row.
