Mikel Arteta’s ‘downside’ in pre-season resolved just in time for Arsenal vs Man United

Add as preferred source on Google

One of Mikel Arteta’s concerns from pre-season was quashed during Arsenal’s win over Athletic Bilbao. 

The Gunners beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at the Emirates to conclude their pre-season action.

Arsenal face Manchester United on the opening day, with the result a positive one to take to Old Trafford.

It was a complete performance from the hosts, who saw their new signings impress and existing members of the squad thrive at the perfect time.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta says injured Arsenal star could be fit for Man United clash after missing Emirates Cup

Gabriel Magalhaes returns to form at the perfect time

Viktor Gyokeres scored his first goal for Arsenal with a fantastic header, getting on the end of a sublime Martin Zubimendi cross.

The two signings were amongst the Gunners’ best performers against Bilbao, but one player’s success in the match was arguably even more enjoyable for Arteta.

Ahead of the return to the Emirates, Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence was described as a ‘downside’ of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia.

After not playing a minute in Asia, the centre-back returned against Villarreal, coming on as a substitute, but some thought that Gabriel looked ‘rusty’.

Therefore, there was a lot of attention on how the defender would fare against Athletic Bilbao, and in his first start since April, he put any concern to rest.

Though Gabriel’s leg has changed significantly as a result of a lack of activity after his surgery, the Brazil international played like he never left against Bilbao.

From defensive stability to tidy passing, the 27-year-old reminded Arteta what he had been missing, even proving to be a playmaking asset.

It was the perfect return to the starting XI for Gabriel at the perfect time, with the trip to Old Trafford now just days away.

Manchester United will fear Gabriel

While Arsenal will be delighted by Gabriel’s return to form and fitness, Man United will be fearful.

Gabriel and William Saliba’s partnership is one of the best in the world, being a duo that knows how to keep threat out more than most. 

As well as being a defensive monster, the Brazilian is a goal threat, as Ruben Amorim’s side know, having conceded to Gabriel last season.

In nine appearances, Gabriel has a win rate of 55.5% against Man United, reigning victorious in five of his meetings with the Red Devils. 

The 27-year-old’s return is a huge boost for Arteta, who will surely hand the centre-back his first Premier League start in four months.