Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes managed to emerge with some credit from Saturday evening’s defeat against Newcastle United.
There weren’t many positives for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to take from his side’s Premier League defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. However, Gabriel Magalhaes was one who will have been able to leave the pitch with his head held high.
The Standard gave the Brazilian centre-back a rating of 7/10 for his performance against the Magpies, describing is efforts as “outstanding.”
As per Sofascore statistics, The £100,000-a-week star made two clearances, blocked two shots, and won five duels.
Gabriel Magalhaes’ night marred by one controversial moment
Gabriel was, however, heavily involved in the passage of play which saw the Gunners concede the only goal of the match. Joelinton won a header ahead of the Arsenal man, and the ball fell to Anthony Gordon who lashed it home from close range.
Replays showed that Joelinton had two hands on the back of Gabriel and that the Arsenal defender was being pushed forward, causing him to miss his header. However, amongst other contentious aspects of the goal, VAR checked this incident and deemed Joelinton’s actions to be within the laws of the game.
It is safe to say that Arteta did not agree with this assessment, as he was unequivocal in his post match comments, stating that he felt that the goal should never have been allowed to stand. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has since indicated that he doesn’t see Arteta’s point.
Gabriel should not beat himself up too harshly for his role in the goal. He will certainly feel that he was fouled and impeded from being able to clear the ball, and in general his performance was very solid. The 25-year-old was a shining light for Arsenal on an otherwise very dull evening for the north London club.
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