3 standout players from Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Atalanta

  • Goalkeeper David Raya and those immediately in front of him were Arsenal's standout players during an otherwise miserable goalless draw away to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League
Atalanta BC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1
Atalanta BC v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 / Timothy Rogers/GettyImages
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3. Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel
Gabriel was sturdy again / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

It's only fair to give a hat-tip to the other half of Arsenal's miserly duo at the back. Gabriel was typically rugged and aggressive in the air, but the Brazilian also showed off how he's refined his game in recent years.

Specifically, Gabriel has become a more measured defender. There's a thoughtfulness in his game, so a player who was once a red card likely to happen at any moment, has now become solidity itself for a more secure Arsenal.

Gabriel stayed patient and precise on the deck against an attack defined by the rapid and angled runs of winger Ademola Lookman. The latter tried to get between the lines often, but Lookman almost always found a Gabriel-shaped brick wall in his path.

On a night when Arsenal were monotonoulsy medicore going forward, Gabriel ensured the real strength of Arteta's team never faltered. The burden on those at the back will only get tougher to bear, starting away at Manchester City this weekend.

For now, Arsenal's defence earned a valuable Champions League point the rest of the team didn't deserve.


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