Arsenal beat Manchester United in the second game of their pre-season tour in the USA, and also welcomed more players back to the first team.
Arsenal drew with Bournemouth in the opening game, but were impressive at times as they beat their fierce rivals 2-1 after goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Jesus missed the Copa America as he worked on his fitness issues, but Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes returned from the tournament to link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Both players came off the bench, with Martinelli scoring the winning goal in a superb cameo, and Gabriel helping secure the victory, before firing in a rocket of a penalty in the post-match shootout.
Gabriel Magalhaes thanks Arsenal fans after pre-season victory over Man United
Gabriel has now sent a message to the Arsenal fans after a successful return to action with his club.
“Thanks for the support Gunners in LA,” he posted on Instagram.
Gabriel came off the bench to replace Jurrien Timber in the 63rd minute, but whilst he did not have his defensive partner William Saliba next to him, he still looked sharp on what was his first appearance of any kind in two months.
Gabriel Magalhaes was overlooked at Copa America
Gabriel was included in the Brazil squad at the Copa America, but appeared for just four minutes of the tournament as he was overlooked for Real Madrid star Eder Militao and PSG defender Marquinhos.
This means that Gabriel did not build up the same level of match fitness as other tournament stars such as Kai Havertz, whilst also missing the initial fitness-building sessions in pre-season.
However, this also means that he is well rested after what was a long season, and as one of Arsenal’s most crucial defenders, he will hope to build on what was an outstanding individual campaign.
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