‘So aggressive’… Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer seriously impressed by £27m Arsenal star

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Arsenal were certainly at their dominant best against West Ham United last weekend – form they’ll hope to continue to for the visit of Ruben Amorim and Manchester United.

As it does for all teams, the fixture list now really ramps up for Arsenal in December, who will play seven times, starting with the visit of their old rivals.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, United arrive in the midst of their new manager bounce – Amorim has already taken to the club very well.

That being said, United will be missing two key players for their visit, something that should give Arsenal confidence.

Mikel Arteta’s side shouldn’t be lacking in that department right now, but the absence of Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez owing to suspension should only encourage the idea of Arsenal winning.

Gabriel Magalhaes praised for one of his ‘incredible’ strengths at Arsenal

Focusing on Arsenal’s own strengths, both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have been getting excited about the ability of one Arsenal star on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.

Gabriel Magalhaes scored another headed goal against West Ham and both pundits were left in awe of his ability at both ends of the pitch, an imperious presence at the back.

READ MORE: Max Dowman just broke an extraordinary record set by Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal

Beginning the chat, Lineker said: “Gabriel is another one of those players isn’t he? I mean, he’s great at both ends [of the pitch], isn’t he?

“Brilliant defender, but what a threat in the box. I think he’s scored something like 26 goals at Arsenal, which is a lot for a central defender.”

Shearer then replied: “His ability to find space… it’s alright saying, well, he’ll get on the end of it – it’s not as simple as that.

“It’s his movement because we see players like grabbing hold of you in our days and all of that, and it’s hard to move, but the way he sort of gets away from his markers and is able to find space.

“And I know he’s got the other players to thank for that because of the blocking and everything that goes on, but you have to have the desire to get on the end of it.

“And he’s incredible at doing that.”

Lineker: “Yeah, he’s so aggressive and attacks the ball – even when he gets his head nearly punched off.”

Will Gabriel be fit to face Man United?

Of course, some Arsenal fans may be sweating on the fitness of Gabriel ahead of Man United’s visit on Wednesday.

Gabriel was replaced by Jakub Kiwior at half-time against West Ham owing to a recurrence of the issue he was managing against Sporting CP.

Arteta provided an update on Gabriel’s condition, and it seems likely that the Brazilian will be fit to face United.

Considering Arsenal paid £27m to sign Gabriel back in 2020, the deal now looks like an absolute bargain.

And there’s no longer any talk of the towering defender being replaced, who is arguably becoming William Saliba’s equal in a lot of regards.