Arsenal: Gabriel Paulista’s Message Should Shake The Emirates

Arsenal is facing a fairly docile stretch of fixtures and it will be imperative that they capitalize. Gabriel is intent on seeing this happen.

Arsenal‘s upcoming stretch of fixtures features a girthy 18 points that are right there for the taking. Like grapes on a vine, all the Gunners should have to do is pluck them off. Of course, that involves actually doing your job, something that isn’t always as easy as it seems.

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But Gabriel Paulista wants to make it clear that there is nothing else that matters right now but work. His message, whether intentionally or not, should shake the Emirates and it should give Rio “No Selfies!” Ferdinand a warm and fuzzy.

“Let’s leave the party for later,” Gabriel said, as quoted by the Metro.

Gabriel was referencing the lack of a festive break in the Premier League, whereas in his previous leagues, he always had time off to be with his family and celebrate the holidays. But the Brazilian claims that his mind is set in the working mode and nothing else.

“Christmas? You can wait until we are back on track. Please and thank you.”

This is what I picture Gabriel saying while he gazes at all the Christmas lights. He then turns his back like Ironman turning his back on that tank and walks away.

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Anyway, this is a seriously strong message from someone that we always saw as a bit of a quiet, reserved character off the pitch. Gabriel has been at the heart of the defense in Mustafi’s absence and even in spite of the consecutive 2-1 losses, he has remained fairly free of blame.

There’s a reason for that. It’s because he has actually done very well in the German’s place. He may not be the vocal leader and communicator that we have enjoyed in Mustafi, but give Gabriel some credit. English is still a work in progress and even small things like his anti-party mentality have to hit home.

If this guy, who isn’t a regular first-teamer but has the work ethic of an Alexis, is reverberating this message through the locker room, then shouldn’t the inherent starters, the Walcott’s and the Xhaka’s, see this and think “maybe he’s onto something?”

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I don’t know, maybe I’m digging where there is no dirt. But it just really hit home for me, hearing Gabriel come out and take a stand like this. Am I alone in this?