Mikel Arteta has long aimed to build Arsenal into the Premier League’s strongest defensive side, and it now seems that this vision has come to fruition. Despite this progress, many doubted whether Arsenal had the squad depth necessary to truly contend with Manchester City for the league title. The prevailing opinion was that, unlike City, Arsenal couldn’t adequately replace their key players, which would ultimately weaken their title challenge.
Ahead of their North London Derby clash with Tottenham, there was a general expectation that Arsenal would play for a draw due to the absence of key figures like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Many believed that without these crucial players, Arsenal would adopt a defensive approach, aiming merely to contain Spurs rather than engage them offensively.
However, Arsenal defied these expectations. While they did have periods where they defended diligently, they were far from passive. Arsenal displayed the same resilience and discipline that had been a hallmark of their recent performances, such as their victory over Aston Villa, where they absorbed pressure before striking at the opportune moment. This balance of defense and attack was once again evident in the derby.
Gabriel Magalhaes, in particular, played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s triumph. Known for his defensive solidity, Gabriel turned in a match-winning performance, not only excelling at the back but also making a crucial contribution in attack. He capitalized on a significant moment during the match, scoring the decisive goal from a Bukayo Saka corner. Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was caught flat-footed, and Gabriel seized the opportunity, confidently heading the ball into the net.
Gabriel’s standout display further underscored his growing influence within the team. Since joining Arsenal for £27 million, he has proven to be a tremendous value, with his defensive dominance complemented by his ability to score important goals. After the victory, Gabriel took to Instagram to express his delight, posting, “What a Feeling!! Thank you GOD!!!” His post garnered responses from both his club and international teammates, including fellow defender William Saliba and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, highlighting the high regard in which he is held.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal has cultivated a deep belief in their defensive strength. The team understands that if they can keep a clean sheet, they often only need to score once to secure a win, even against top-tier competition. The North London Derby was another demonstration of this philosophy, as Arsenal remained composed, absorbed Spurs’ pressure, and ultimately secured a crucial victory to bolster their Premier League title ambitions.
