Faultless Gabriel Arsenal’s September Player of the Month

Gabriel has won the Arsenal Player of the Month award.

It’s hardly much of a surprise, really. He hasn’t technically lost a game yet (since he sat out of the Liverpool loss), with his Arsenal performances endearing him into the fanbase in quick time.

Had there have been any supporters for him to play in front of, he’d no doubt we tracing the turf backed by some catchy, inventive song concocted in the surrounding Emirates drinking establishments.

Considering he mentioned that the love from fans on social media gave him an extra nudge in the direction of the Arsenal doors, our digital adoration for Gabriel won’t have fallen on deaf ears. And if he needed any more confirmation, he’s been voted the Arsenal Player of the Month for September by those very fans.

Fairly often across the board do we see new signings – Sead Kolasinac won the award in his first month as an Arsenal player – claim this particular gong. Yet even if it were the players voting it’s unlikely the result would have differed.

On the topic of adjustment periods for new signings, it becomes more apparent that a lot these issues rest on the shoulders of the player, not that there is an accepted length of time for them to find their feet. Circumstances vary, such as for Nicolas Pepe, but if the player has the quality and the right frame of mind then they’ve done the majority of the groundwork.

Edu spoke recently about needed players with the right mentality. A vital component of the individual profile they’re looking to bring in. Evidently, Gabriel has come in prepared in every sense to take the Premier League leap.

Tougher tests will come but the 22-year-old has been nothing short of superb in his application. It sounds like folly, but he’s the only centre-back we have with versatility. Versatility? In centre-back? Well, as it is, there are no other outstanding candidates who can play in a three or a four. Gabriel can.

A shoo-in to start each week, bumps in the road – just like with the whole team – will come but at the moment Gabriel provides what others can’t. Progression with the ball at his feet (93.7% pass accuracy), competent in one-on-one’s down the left and an asset in both boxes.

For lack of a better word, he’s undroppable.