Arsenal have been criticised for their lack of goals from the strikers this season, despite this Mikel Arteta’s side still tops the Premier League going into the World Cup break. A big reason for this is due to the Gunners having a surprising source of goals from elsewhere in the squad.
Gabriel Magalhaes was the match-winner for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, as the Gunners achieved a major victory against their London rivals in Chelsea. This is the second winner the Brazilian has scored this season, after also scoring the last goal against Fulham in August to secure a 2-1 win.
Arsenal have not been accustomed to having goal-scoring defenders in recent years. However, having an extra source of goals can prove crucial in the long run for a team to achieve their targets which has been proven by other clubs in the past.
READ MORE: Why Chelsea vs Arsenal Premier League clash was suspended amid crowd incident
John Terry epitomises the importance of your defenders chipping in with goals. The five-time Premier League winner is the all-time Premier League goal-scoring defender with 41. Not only does this show his importance on the pitch, but it also highlights his leadership that he is able to fulfil a job that is not expected of him, and being able to step up when needed.
Gabriel has already shown signs of that this season, which shows he is going in the right direction to becoming a future leader at Arsenal. The defender has scored nine goals from corner situations in the Premier League, the most of any player in the competition since he joined prior to the 2020-21 campaign.
Harry Kane has recorded eight goals in this time. Whilst Kurt Zouma, Mohamed Salah and Lewis Dunk have scored on six different occasions.
The Brazilian is certainly the leader among the defence and is always seen orchestrating the backline whenever it is time to defend an opposition set-piece. His influence since coming into the club has been clear and when he isn’t playing, Arsenal’s chances of securing a win or a clean sheet decline by a huge margin.
The £23 million transfer of Gabriel who has been one of Arteta’s more important player this season is proving to be an absolute steal. Arsenal’s position in terms of being able to fight for the title is partly thanks to his defensive heroics.
If Gabriel can continue being a source of goals for Arsenal, then Arteta’s side will see a major boost in their league position. The Brazilian is continuing to show why he is pivotal for the Gunners.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal title hopes, Saka treatment and White's World Cup chance
Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea as Gabriel superb and Ben White stakes World Cup claim
Chelsea vs Arsenal highlights: Gabriel seals Gunners win as Aubameyang disappoints
Why Gabriel yelled at Granit Xhaka as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left behind in Arsenal evolution
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Tomiyasu injury update, Europa League reaction, Chelsea call
