Arsenal stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all started for Brazil at the Maracana against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier last night.
Unfortunately for the trio, they were handed a 1-0 defeat to their biggest rivals on home turf. A second-half goal from former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi was the difference on what was a chaotic night.
Heavy tackles were flying in everywhere, and given that Gabriel Jesus had just returned from injury to start the game, Mikel Arteta may have been watching with some concern, but there is no indication that any of his players picked up any fresh problems.
However, the trio and the rest of the Brazil side now have to face up to the fact that they have played a part in breaking two huge unwanted records for the National Team.
Arsenal stars feature as Brazil break unwanted records
Astonishingly, last night’s defeat was the first Brazil have ever suffered at home in World Cup qualifiers, in a record that stretches back for 64 matches over the last century.
Whilst this was bad enough, the defeat, following last week’s loss to Colombia and last month’s loss to Uruguay, meant that Brazil have lost three matches in a row. It is the first time this has happened since 2001, when they lost four in a row. Should Brazil lose to England at Wembley in their next game in March, they will equal that run.
How did the Arsenal trio fare for Brazil?
Jesus returned to the starting lineup almost a month since he last played, and featured for the entire 90 minutes.
Whilst he did not score, he did help create a big chance for Martinelli, but it was a tough night for the 26-year-old, who was fouled twice, failed to complete a single dribble and did not have a shot on goal.
Although Martinelli could not convert what was a good chance, he had a better swing of things overall, impressing again with his speed and dribbling ability, whilst also firing two shots on target, including an effort from the edge of the box which was cleared off the line.
Whilst Gabriel Magalhaes has been excellent for Arsenal this season, it has been a different story with Brazil, and the defender has received some blame for the winning goal, as both he and reported Arsenal target Andre could not prevent Otamendi from winning the header for his goal.
The trio will return to London where a tough game against Brentford awaits them on Saturday evening, and it is unclear whether all of them will be selected so soon after such a physical match.
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