Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was spotted telling Bukayo Saka in no uncertain terms about the part he played in Fulham ’s opener at the Emirates.
It would ultimately count for nought as goals from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel himself ensured the Gunners’ 100 per cent start to the season would continue with a 2-1 win. But before the dramatic scenes surrounding Gabriel’s winner unfurled, there were glimpses of the old insecurities.
Mikel Arteta’s side had dominated for long periods against the newly promoted Cottagers, but had failed to translate that into clear chances. And so when Gabriel was dispossessed on the edge of his area allowing Aleksandar Mitrovic to stroke home, the warning signs were there.
But while the Brazilian central defender showed signs of being a little rattled, his teammates rallied around him to get back on terms - and ultimately provide him with the chance for ultimate redemption.
His goal sparked wild scenes of celebration both on the pitch and in the stands as Arsenal laid down another marker in the fledgling Premier League season. However, when the euphoria had died down and the full-time whistle was blown, Gabriel made sure to tell Saka that his involvement hadn’t been forgotten.
Fulham’s opener had come about after the England international played a risky ball from the right-back berth across his own box into the path of the central defender. After taking it down nicely, he was pressured into losing the ball.
And in footage seen after the full-time whistle Gabriel can be seen loudly gesticulating to his teammate, telling him that next time, he needs to simply get the ball forward. Saka for his part was quick to pour praise on the matchwinner, without directly acknowledging his own mistake.
"He’s a guy with a big character,” Saka told BBC Match of the Day. “He deserved to get the winner."
He added: "We had to be patient. Credit to Fulham, they made it difficult for us. In the end we got the result we wanted, so we’re happy. Eddie Nketiah made a real difference for us. I’m happy with his contribution and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals for us this season.
"We’re all so hungry to win each game. We’re going to continue like this for the whole season. We know how difficult the Premier League is. We’re just focusing on the next game, the next game and the next game."
Arteta also alluded to Gabriel’s character in being able to bounce back in what felt a pivotal 90 minutes for his young side. “We made an error, it cost us again. But even though that happened I think against adversity, Gabi [Gabriel], individually for how he continued to play, and the team (were impressive),” he explained.
“After the goal the stadium’s reaction was just to give support to the player. Then the player has to show courage to continue playing. This is part of football, mistakes are part of it and it’s going to continue to happen.
“It’s about how you respond to that and I’m really pleased. It’s not a coincidence because Gabby has changed his mentality and the way he approaches every day is different to a year ago.”
