Former Premier League striker names the one Arsenal player who was ‘a monster’ in Tottenham win

Add as preferred source on Google

A number of Arsenal players were able to impress during the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. 

Arsenal had to fight for it, but were ultimately deserving victors in this North London Derby clash. 

Mikel Arteta had a number of hurdles to overcome when it came to preparing for this fixture.

The Gunners had to deal with a number of absences hading into this match. Declan Rice was ruled out due to a suspension, whilst the likes of Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino, amongst others, were sidelined with injuries.

Arteta has admitted that he lost sleep as he was trying to select a side that could win this match. Ultimately, though, the Spanish coach was successful. 

Leandro Trossard took up a more central role, and Thomas Partey and Jorginho started together in the middle of the park for the first time. 

Ultimately, though, this was a win built on defensive security, and it was Gabriel Magalhaes at the back who stole the show. 

• READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry

Gabriel Magalhaes hailed for role in Arsenal win over Tottenham Hotspur

The Brazilian centre-back was solid defensively throughout, contributing a number of vital interventions.

He was also able to make an impact at the other end of the pitch, as he met Bukayo Saka’s corner in the second half to nod in the winning goal.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney, writing in his BBC Team of the Week column, has now heaped praise on Gabriel. 

He said: “What a monster. Great header for the goal. It was just a monstrous display from Arsenal defensively. The two centre-halves stepped up but Gabriel gets it because of that wonderful goal.”

Mikel Arteta has key partnership to build upon

In Gabriel and William Saliba, Arteta has a centre-back duo that he can rely upon to perform consistently. 

Gabriel and Saliba have been called the best defensive pairing in the Premier League, and for good reason. 

If the Gunners are to achieve their aims for this season, then it is vital that both of those players remain fit. 

Arsenal have now proven that they can win a big game without Rice or Odegaard, but it is hard to imagine that they could’ve come away from this North London Derby with all three points in tow had one of either Saliba or Gabriel been missing too.