Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have “grown up” and “matured” after Gabriel Magalhaes gave his side a comeback victory over Fulham by scoring the winning goal and extending their perfect start to the season.
Aleksandar Mitrovic won the ball off the Brazilian defender before firing the visitors into the lead, but Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1.
Martin Odegaard equalised with a deflected strike before Gabriel made up for his earlier error by bundling the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble just five minutes from time.
In the last Premier League campaign, Arsenal only came from behind once to win but on Saturday showed composure against Fulham, earning the praise of Arteta.
“We've grown up, we have more alternatives, I think we have matured as well,” the Arsenal boss said. “Playing in front of these supporters helps because they are driving you as well and then it's about belief.
“A lot of that is about belief and confidence that you can do it and now we have that.”
Arteta insisted Gabriel wants to reach his full potential after he made amends for his costly mistake for Fulham's opener.
When asked what has changed in terms of the defender's mentality, Arteta said: “How he looks after himself every day, what is most important in his life apart from his little daughter and his family and how consistent he is every day in his habits and how much he really wants to become one of the best.”
