Arsenal: 4 key tasks for Gabriel this season

4. Maintain His Goal Tally of 3 Last Season

After netting on his Premier League debut against Fulham, Gabriel followed that up with another fine header in the defeat to Wolves before topping both of those with a majestic, soaring effort in the Europa League against Olympiacos.

No overstating, that was a fabulous header. And, looking across the team, there is nobody who can do that. That’s worrying.

Is White dangerous in the air? Considering Arsenal signed a right-back to help cover his deficiencies in that department, you’d argue no. As for the midfielders, no again. Up top? Alexandre Lacazette can score with his head so long as it’s on a plate and six foot off the ground.

There really is no player in the team who poses an aerial threat in the opponents box. None bar Gabriel.

Without any shadow of a doubt, some atrocious set piece routines and appalling deliveries don’t help. This is now the second set piece specialist who can’t make Arsenal lay a glove on the opposition from dead balls.

While nobody is insisting that Gabriel should double his tally this term, when corners and free-kicks are won it should be him screaming for the ball on his forehead. He is the best outlet in those situations and set pieces need to be designed around getting him involved just as they used to be about finding Luiz at the back post to nod one back in.

Having got three last term Gabriel should be aiming for similar this time around. It’s a part of his game that is unique to many others in the squad. Finding way to maximise that trait are needed from those around the Brazilian, while he should be the one taking the bull by the horns when the ball comes in.