Pain in the Arsenal
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4 players who must start for Arsenal vs Man Utd on Sunday

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on August 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) /
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Gabriel’s omission from the starting XI has been strange. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Gabriel’s omission from the starting XI has been strange. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

2. Gabriel

Perhaps the strangest sub-plot of Arsenal’s season so far has been Gabriel’s omission from the starting XI. A reliable and consistent performer last time out, Gabriel has been benched for all three games so far despite featuring heavily throughout the pre-season.

While it appears that the decision is purely tactical, the Brazilian has been linked with the Saudi Pro League and I find it hard to believe that Arteta has merely dropped the defender for tactical reasons. There has to be more to it.

Nevertheless, while the Saudi transfer window will still be open by the time Sunday’s game rolls around, I think every supporter across the globe wants Gabriel back in the starting XI. He’s a dominant present in both boxes, a valuable leader, and a defender who’s maturing by the game.

Continued on the next slide…

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