There was one stand-out moment for Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes during the Gunners crucial 2-1 home victory over Leeds United that proved he has learned from past mistakes.
Throughout the Brazilian's relatively short Arsenal career, there have been occasions where he has seemingly shown signs of letting the pressure get to him - whether that be in the form of a bust-up with an opposing player or recklessly flying into tackles way out of position.
The most obvious incident came on New Year's Day when Arsenal welcomed Manchester City to the Emirates and arguably outplayed Pep Guardiola's side - but saw their efforts undermined by a second-half red-card for Gabriel. The defender was given two yellows in quick succession by referee Stuart Atwell.
There was some debate as to what his first caution was actually for, with some claiming it was simply for dissent while others suggested it was for deliberately scuffing the penalty spot before Riyad Mahrez stepped up to convert from 12 yards.
Just minutes later, Gabriel clumsily clattered into his fellow countryman Gabriel Jesus on the halfway line and was subsequently dismissed. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was on punditry duty for the clash as part of BT Sport's coverage.
The six-time Premier League winning central defender had some choice words for Gabriel after the game. "This is stupid, this is immature, this is petulant. A penalty against your team…what do you think you’re achieving by doing that?
HAVE YOUR SAY! Has Gabriel been one of Arsenal's most improved players this season? Comment below
"This is where the stupidity enhances itself. He’s not going in on goal, he’s not a threat, he’s in the middle of the pitch and straightaway after that incident you commit a silly foul like that. You’re in disbelief, I don’t understand it."
While Ferdinand's assessment was firm but fair, five months on Gabriel appears to have cut that kind of immaturity out of his game. In Arsenal's most recent outing at home to Leeds, the centre-back was carded within the first 15 minutes - ensuring he was walking a tightrope for the majority of the contest.
It was one he walked successfully, remaining on the pitch to help his side secure what eventually ended up a far more difficult 2-1 than many would have expected. Not only did he evade the officials attention for the rest of the game, but also showed the kind of maturity and leadership that abandoned him against City.
Midway through the first-half, Granit Xhaka was caught by a late challenge from Mateusz Klich - prompting an angry response from Arsenal's hot-headed former captain. Before he could do anything he may regret and get sent off, it was Gabriel who was there to intervene and diffuse the situation.
The centre-back got between his furious teammate and the opposition and appeared to quickly remind Xhaka of his responsibilities, before the Switzerland international walked away and went on to have a superb game in the middle of the park for the Gunners.
Gabriel's form has been a huge positive for Arteta's side in recent weeks, with the defender heading home the winner away at West Ham earlier this month. He will be desperate to continue his improvement come Thursday night when the Gunners make the short trip across North London to take on fierce rivals Spurs with Champions League football on the line.
