At a Glance:
Peter Schmeichel left upset about Arsenal ace Gabriel Magalhaes’ botched penalty against PSG.
Schmeichel on Gabriel’s performance in the Champions League final.
Gabriel has an elite mentality.
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered one of his darkest days in an Arsenal shirt by missing the crucial penalty in the shootout to hand PSG the title of back-to-back Champions League winners.
Marquinhos consoling Gabriel may have reminded the defender that he has a World Cup to look forward to but skying a decisive spot-kick in a shootout is one of the worst feelings a footballer can experience.
With Eberechi Eze fluffing his lines from 12 yards out as well, the Gunners were not as clinical as Luis Enrique’s side from the penalty spot.
Rio Ferdinand called Gabriel an “absolute rock” and in the same vein, Peter Schmeichel also sang his praises.
Peter Schmeichel hails Gabriel Magalhaes despite Champions League final penalty miss
Arsenal fans fumed at Gabriel taking a penalty in the first place, being a centre-back but Peter Schmeichel felt sorry for the Brazilian because he was imperious at the back for PSG.
Schmeichel said on CBS Sports: “I feel incredibly sorry for Gabriel, I thought he was outstandingly the best player on the pitch today. I mean, his defending was so good and for him to be the guy who missed the last penalty and actively decided that PSG was winning, I feel really, really sorry for him.”
Considering Arsenal defended deep against PSG and valiantly for the most part, the retired goalkeeper hailed Gabriel’s vital role in keeping his side solid at the back.
“I really feel for him today, he was a man-mountain at the back. Because they went 1-0 up in six minutes, the tactics from both sides changed and Arsenal went into what they’ve done so many times in the Premier League this season to defend that 1-0 and that guy there, he kept them alive for a very, very time.”
Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes showed his elite mentality against PSG
As Peter Schmeichel rightly pointed out, Gabriel was instrumental in Arsenal’s solid defending against a PSG side who boast of arguably the best attack in world football. If the 28-year-old’s magnificent at the back was not enough, the Premier League winner also displayed his elite mindset by stepping up to take a penalty in the shootout.
Gabriel is clearly the type of players who wants to lead from the front in the biggest of games and Arsenal are truly blessed to have him at their disposal.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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