Several Arsenal players performed well in their win against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Gunners had to hold on in the end, but they were far superior for large parts of the game, especially in the first half.
As Mikel Arteta said after the game, the margin of victory should’ve been a lot higher than it was, but three points is all that matters, and Arsenal should be happy with that.
One huge positive from the game for the hosts was the return of Gabriel Magalhaes.
Have Arsenal ever had a better defensive partnership than William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes? If yes, tell us who!
Gabriel Jesus says Gabriel Magalhaes changed the game for Arsenal vs Brighton
Gabriel made his long-awaited return to the Arsenal squad on Saturday against Brighton.
The Brazil international missed over a month of football after suffering an adductor injury while on international duty with Brazil.
Arsenal remained on top of the Premier League table in Gabriel’s absence, but every fan will tell you that they missed him – not just in defence but in attacking set-pieces as well.
After watching his side concede against Brighton, Arteta decided to bring his number six on to see out the game, and he helped his side get over the line.
Gabriel Jesus, who came on as a substitute himself, has now claimed that Gabriel changed the game.
He said after the win, as quoted by BBC Sport: “As everyone could see, it changed our back line when he came on. We had been conceding chances, but when he stepped on the pitch, you can see the difference.
“He is a leader. He is a beast at defending. It is a massive, massive boost for us that he is coming back.”
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus says the referee made a major mistake during Arsenal vs Brighton
Fill the blanks: The most costly Arsenal injury has been _______ because ____________.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ return could be season-defining for Arsenal
Alongside Declan Rice, Gabriel is Arsenal’s most important player.
When the Brazilian was fit and available in the first 11 Premier League games of the season, the Gunners conceded just five goals. In the seven games he missed, they let in six, which shows just how big a miss he was.
In terms of results, Arsenal have done well without Gabriel, but now that he is back next to William Saliba, Arteta’s defence is at the required level again.
That could make a huge difference in the coming months and could be the reason why Arsenal go all the way in the title race.
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