Share this @internewscast.com

Mikel Arteta reckons his decision to drop Gabriel Magalhaes from the starting line-up at the beginning of the season has led to the Brazilian becoming a better player. 

The defender has been ever-present in Arsenal’s backline, having began the campaign on the bench amid speculation that he was set for a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

The result was a shaky beginning to the Premier League season for the title chasers as they drew 2-2 at home draw to Fulham. It was the last straw before the 25-year-old was reinstated for the win against Manchester United in September. 

‘In football it’s about tomorrow,’ he said ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Wolves on Saturday. 

Mikel Arteta believes his decision to drop Gabriel at the start of the season has done him good

Mikel Arteta believes his decision to drop Gabriel at the start of the season has done him good

Gabriel has been in fine form since he was reinstated to the starting line-up in September

Gabriel has been in fine form since he was reinstated to the starting line-up in September

‘It’s about form, it’s about how you are playing, it’s about how you are behaving and you have to earn it every single day, because you know somebody else is next to you and wants to take your place and deserves to take your place. 

‘Sometimes you just need to sit down on the bench and realise things and then suddenly you become a much better player.’

Arsenal’s stellar defence has helped propel them to the top of the league standings with the fewest goals conceded and an Expected Goals Against figure bettered only by Manchester City. 

The arrival of Declan Rice has certainly helped in this regard, as has the partnership between Gabriel and the 22-year-old Saliba, which Arteta feels is ‘strange’ for defenders so young and is strengthen by an ‘intangible’ bond. 

‘To see those two centre backs at that age in the Premier League doing what they’re doing that’s very strange.’ He added.

‘But credit to them that’s a partnership. Building a relationship and chemistry there is not a company that can give you that statistic, that’s impossible to measure.

‘There is something there, it’s not tangible but it’s very, very important in certain positions and those two certainly have that.’

Gabriel and WIlliam Saliba have been the bedrock of Arsenal's impressive defence

Gabriel and WIlliam Saliba have been the bedrock of Arsenal’s impressive defence

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

Premier LeagueGabriel Magalhaes

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Jets Fans Express Discontent Over Coach Aaron Glenn’s Quarterback Choice in Bengals Game

New York Jets fans took to social media with fervent reactions following…

Unai Emery explains decision to omit Harvey Elliott from Aston Villa lineup in Premier League victory against Manchester City

Unai Emery has shed light on the exclusion of Harvey Elliott from…

Danny Rohl Faces Challenge of Quickly Unifying and Strengthening Rangers’ Fragmented Squad

As Danny Rohl steps into his new role as Rangers’ head coach,…

Tottenham’s Stalemate at Monaco: Thomas Frank’s Tactical Dilemma and Vicario’s Heroics

Security in Paris might be in the spotlight due to a recent…

Morecambe’s Turbulent Transition: Transfer Frenzy Sparks EFL Frustration, Squad Tensions, and Financial Worries – My Eye-Opening Away Day with the Shrimps

Initially, this article was intended to explore why Morecambe Football Club’s recent…

Roy Keane Blasts Nottingham Forest Players, Blaming Them for Postecoglou’s Dismissal

Roy Keane has issued a scathing critique of Nottingham Forest’s squad, labeling…

Score Big with Groundhoppers: A Journey to Arthurlie FC’s Passionate Football Culture

Arthurlie 4 Drumchapel United 1 For Peanut, the Saturday stroll was quite…

Wolves Manager Vitor Pereira Escorted Away Following Heated Exchange with Fans Amid Chants of Imminent Dismissal

Vitor Pereira found himself at the center of a tense confrontation with…