3 standout players from enthralling victory over Man Utd
![LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate their side's third goal scored by Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on September 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate their side's third goal scored by Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on September 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c0296ca4e298af79aae6a021f9195af97661cbfa770998c03028b625e155c8b9.jpg)
Gabriel Magalhaes…that is the most MONSTERCLASS positioning I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/L9tIlxAxrz
— ∞ (@TheFalseNein) September 3, 2023
3. Gabriel Magalhães
In the starting line-up for the first time this season, Gabriel Magalhães didn’t show any signs whatsoever of rust. He picked up exactly where he left off last season and was fantastic.
He defended very well and was important in the team’s build-up. He had to battle United’s new signing Rasmus Højlund, a very physical player, and did well in that department, even if he didn’t look all that comfortable.
However, he was crucial to the Arsenal victory in two different ways. Firstly, he had the presence of mind and the correct positioning to put Garnacho offside by the slightest whisker. He notices that the Argentinian is through, so he takes a step forward to ensure the winger’s offside/
Then, for Rice’s goal, Gabriel intelligently stops anyone from getting to Rice without fouling. He puts his big frame between the United defenders and Rice, which gives the midfielder the time to take aim and shoot.
He had a brilliant return to the team and I feel reassured when he is on the pitch.
🎙️ Peter Drury is in love with Arsenal ⚪️🔴
— Gooner Chris (@ArsenalN7) September 4, 2023
pic.twitter.com/JSat6UW0DF
It was a fantastic result for Arsenal and praise has to be given to substitutes Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson. Jesus scored a brilliant goal all while humiliating Diogo Dalot and looks back to his old self. Nelson was so purposeful every time he had the ball and deserves more minutes on the pitch.
Despite not being the best performance, the result and the way that it was attained is one to savour for Arsenal fans.