Arsenal: 3 players exceeding expectations so far this season

3. Gabriel Magalhaes

Last but certainly not least, Gabriel was somewhat unfairly overlooked as a candidate for POTM. Back from a knee injury that saw him miss the Olympics and August’s league fixtures, he has been superb in every match he’s played since.

Everyone knew of his talents. They were on show last season. The difference was the level of consistency he struggled to find, often dropping out of the team due to some rashness off the ball or overly ambitious play off it.

Finishing the season strongly, the worry was whether he could play with anyone other than David Luiz. Thus, to have come back into the team alongside a brand new teammate and to hit some of his best form since joining the club has come as a positive surprise.

Gabriel was never signed to be a top defender in 2020/21. Not at that age. The aim will have always been to see him develop over time and cement his place in the team after a year under his belt.

Even with that all in mind, to have returned from injury, settled with a new partner and have been almost entirely error free in the four matches since has come as a welcome addition to the team. He’s helped instill a platform that has been the backbone of the improved results.

Those fizzed through balls into Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe’s feet have also been clearly worked on. The onus on Ben White for progression has taken the limelight away from this part of Gabriel’s game.

A brilliant start to the campaign for him.