Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal were genuinely frightened when Gabriel Magalhães went down injured during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates.
The Brazilian defender appeared to hurt his right knee while stretching to make a clearance early in the second half. His immediate reaction was concerning, with Gabriel signalling towards the bench before receiving treatment on the pitch.
For a few uncomfortable minutes, it looked as though Arsenal might lose one of their most important players.
Fortunately, Gabriel was determined to continue, and what happened next demonstrated exactly why Arteta values him so highly.
Arteta admits Arsenal feared the worst
Speaking after the match, Arteta revealed that it wasn’t necessarily Gabriel’s fall that caused the greatest concern, but the reaction of those around him.
“Well, he’s a clear example, when I’m talking about the mentality of the team, obviously the mentality of the team is the mentality of the individuals in the team.
“Gabi is a great example of that because we were all scared. Not because of the way he went down, but the reaction of the players that were next to him.”
He continued:
“Immediately he says that he wants to continue and then he scores a goal to help us win the game. That’s what we need from our players.”
It was quite a turnaround for the Brazilian, who went from looking unlikely to finish the match to heading home Arsenal’s second goal in the 69th minute.
As we highlighted in our Arsenal player ratings against Everton, Gabriel was outstanding at both ends of the pitch, earning a deserved 9/10.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Gabriel’s importance goes beyond defending
With William Saliba still unavailable, Arsenal can hardly afford another setback in central defence.
Gabriel’s partnership with Ezri Konsa has provided some much-needed stability, and both defenders getting on the scoresheet against Everton was an added bonus.
Arteta’s comments also underline something that statistics cannot measure: the determination and mentality Gabriel brings to this Arsenal side.
Of course, playing on and scoring doesn’t necessarily mean there is no lingering injury concern. Supporters will be hoping the defender has come through without any lasting problems.
And with Arsenal’s victory moving them level on points with Manchester City, keeping their defensive leader fit could prove particularly important in the weeks ahead.
How concerned were you when Gabriel went down? Join the discussion in the comments below.
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