Arsenal returned to action in the Premier League on match day 16, welcoming Everton to the Emirates.
After Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, the Gunners had to bounce back immediately when Everton came to town.
Mikel Arteta’s side have little room for error if they hope to chase Liverpool down in the Premier League title race, putting pressure on the result against the Toffees.
Fans were eager to see football back at the Emirates after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Monaco in midweek, with a similar result desired on week 16.
Gabriel Magalhaes saved Arsenal early against Everton
The most joyous moment of the match came before the game even began as Gabriel Magalhaes was named in the starting lineup.
Fans missed the Brazilian dearly as Gabriel recovered from a muscle injury, spending three games on the sidelines away from the action.
It didn’t take long for the centre-back to remind supporters what they’ve been missing, as the 26-year-old saved his side from going behind early on.
Everton smelt blood as William Saliba lay injured on the pitch, charging forwards to take advantage of the space that had opened in the Frenchman’s absence.
Just as Abdoulaye Doucoure looked to be in to threaten David Raya, Gabriel came flying in to execute a superb recovery, denying the Toffees of an early goal.
The Emirates erupted in appreciation for the Brazil international, who also earned high praise from fans watching on at home.
Arsenal fans praise Gabriel’s block vs Everton
Fans flooded to X to react to Gabriel’s early heroics, with one supporter saying, “That’s magnificent from Gabriel.”
Others joined by making claims that the Brazilian is the best in the Premier League right now.
- “Gabriel is firmly the best centre-back in the league right now.”
- “Gabriel that is absolutely immense. Best CB available right now.”
One supporter went a step further and said, “Gabriel might be the best defender ever!”
“That work rate from Gabriel,” applauded a fan following the centre-back’s lightning-quick recovery, another said, “Gabriel with an INSANE recovery block!”
Arsenal certainly missed Gabriel when he was sidelined with injury, particularly last week during the 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Jakub Kiwior was blamed for an error against Fulham that allowed Raul Jimenez to score, which fans quickly referred to when applauding Gabriel.
In an alternate view, one supporter claimed Saliba could have done more to deny the hosts at Craven Cottage, saying the France international should have mimicked Gabriel.
“What Gabriel did right now. Saliba should have done against Fulham,” they claimed.
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