Arsenal currently have the best defensive record in the Premier League as they bid for their first title since 2004.
Mikel Arteta has two colossal centre backs at the heart of his defence in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes and the duo have formed a formidable partnership.
Arsenal have conceded just thirteen goals from open play this season and are basing their title challenge on a solid defensive foundation given the injuries in forward areas.
Gabriel has claimed he will never back down from Erling Haaland and other elite strikers as he progresses through his Gunners career and the Brazilian has been discussing his incredible journey at the Emirates Stadium.
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Gabriel Magalhaes reveals how he has changed the way he defends since joining Arsenal
Speaking to official Arsenal website, the 27-year-old defender has been discussing how he and the club have changed since his arrival in the summer of 2020.
Gabriel stated: “I think I’m a very, very different player now! I feel like I’ve improved a lot, because the coaches and the other players here have helped me every single day.
“It’s been unbelievable and I think a lot of things in my life have changed. Now I play every single game and I’m so happy to be part of this club and the Arsenal family.”
Arsenal fans were delighted Gabriel was made captain in their victory against Wolves last month and that trust has been earned through his improvement in his game.
Gabriel explained: “I think I’ve changed how I defend now, how I love to defend. I don’t know if you can just pick one thing that’s changed, but I think I have improved in different ways since I joined Arsenal.”
Gabriel credits tough times in his career to why he is playing well for Arsenal
It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Brazilian defender throughout his career and he explained that tough times when he was younger has made him the ‘competitor’ he is today.
Gabriel stated: ” I learnt very early the value of competing and the importance of being a competitor, being a footballer has always been a dream for me and I learned from the beginning that you need to work very hard if you want your dream to come true.”
In 35 appearances so far this season Gabriel has contributed five goals and he credits a spell in Croatia as a major factor to his excellent form this campaign.
Gabriel explained: “What I found difficult there was it was very, very, very cold! It was minus 20, something like that, but really I enjoyed my time there and l liked it at Dinamo.”
Arteta will be hoping that the partnership between Gabriel and Saliba will be a key factor in Arsenal’s push for silverware.
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