5 positives from Arsenal’s win over Newcastle

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3. Gabriel Paulista looks ready

View image | gettyimages.com

If there was a star of the game, it was Gabriel Paulista. Filling in yet again, this time alongside Laurent Koscielny, the Brazilian center back was on point and looked like a second Laurent Koscielny. There are few who would not want that on Arsenal.

Gabriel won 4 aerial confrontations compared to 5 won by the rest of the team. He completed 95% of his passes, made 8 successful clearances, more than the rest of the team combined and added 2 tackles and 3 interceptions as well (via Whoscored.com).

Needless to say, Gabriel was a presence at the back and I do not think I am alone in stating that I am ready to see him step into the starting XI. He is dominant, zealous and, it must be restated, just like a second Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal’s defense has an insane amount of pace when it lines up like it did against Newcastle and that is a welcome change from how it used to be.

Next: Number 2