Jamie Carragher on Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Jamie Carragher has hailed Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes as the “most influential player in the Premier League” following the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, a result that extended their lead at the top of the table to four points.
Arsenal’s summer signing Eberechi Eze was the matchwinner, netting his first Premier League goal for the club against his former side following his £67.5 million move from Palace.
Before kick-off, there were concerns over the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes, who had picked up a minor issue during Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. However, the Brazilian was passed fit to start and played a key role in securing another clean sheet, Arsenal’s fifth in a row and their tenth in just 13 matches this season.
Discussing Gabriel’s importance after the match, Carragher told Sky Sports: “Yes. I think you can make an argument that he could be seen as the most influential player in the Premier League right now.
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“When you think of the clean sheets and the defensive record Arsenal have and also his threat at set-pieces. He’s as influential as anyone, maybe even Erling Haaland.”
Gabriel joined Arsenal in 2020 for £27 million and has since grown into one of Mikel Arteta’s most dependable players. His recent performances have earned widespread praise, including from pundits who now rank him among the game’s elite defenders.
Gabriel - Arsenal
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes (Image creidt: Getty Images)
Former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker echoed that sentiment on CBS Sports, describing Arsenal’s defensive evolution under Arteta as the cornerstone of their success.
“For me, Arsenal have taken it to another level this season,” Reo-Coker said. “They look really hard to beat, they’re well organised, there’s real strength in depth now so there’s no excuses anymore, they have everything they need.
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“They have the weapons to win top trophies, it’s in their hands. They’ve even taken the defence to a new level and they’re just so hard to beat.”
Reo-Coker went on to single out Gabriel for his leadership and relentless desire on the pitch.
“We need to have a conversation about Gabriel and ask if he is now one of the best centre-backs in the world? I think so. Look at the role he plays in the final third. What I love about him is he’s got so much desire to get to the ball, whether that be at the back or when he goes up.
“The two centre-backs pride themselves on keeping clean sheets and are willing to defend all day long. Arsenal might have the best defence in European football as of right now.”
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