‘Clumsy’ Arsenal star wins over Premier League title winner by turning into ‘absolute machine’

Arsenal lead the way in the Premier League and are fancied to finally win a title under Mikel Arteta, with one player in particular impressing former defender Micah Richards

Gabriel Magalhaes has transformed from a ‘clumsy’ Arsenal signing into an ‘absolute machine’ who is helping lead the Gunners’ title challenge, according to Micah Richards. The former Manchester City defender has admitted he has been won over by the Brazilian during his time in the Premier League

Gabriel has formed a dominant partnership with William Saliba in a stingy Arsenal defence and has also proven to be a menace from set pieces for the north London side. Arsenal have made use of those qualities to help grind out results and lead the Premier League this season.

The former Lille star has become a pivotal player under Mikel Arteta and helped Arsenal to their sixth clean sheet of the season against Crystal Palace. Eberechi Eze’s goal was enough to separate the sides at the Emirates.

And former Premier League winner Richards reckons Arsenal have a strong chance of breaking their 21-year duck this season. The ex-England international believes Gabriel will be important to their chance of claiming the title from Liverpool.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “The game [Arsenal ’s win over Crystal Palace ] wasn’t a classic, was it?

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“I thought Palace did rather well on the first half, creating a few chances, but Arsenal just snuff them out and know how to kill a game. They’re so good at it.

“Gabriel, what a player he is. I wasn’t sure about him at the start, he made a couple of mistakes I thought he looked a little clumsy.

“But he’s now turned into an absolute machine. He’s so key from set-pieces, for and against. People are calling Arsenal Set-piece FC but it doesn’t matter, win the game however you need to win them, that’s the most important thing.

“Arsenal are finding ways to win games and that’s why they have a strong case for winning the Premier League.

“I never quite believed it with Liverpool ’s squad and their transfer window but now I you look at Arsenal and they don’t give teams opportunities, they just don’t. They look like a well-oiled machine.”

Arsenal top the Premier League, having conceded just three goals after nine matches, and are four points ahead of Bournemouth in second place. Manchester City and Liverpool are six and seven points adrift, respectively.

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