There have been countless examples but if one action epitomised Gabriel Magalhães’s commitment to the cause it came against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League tie in Germany last week.
Jarell Quansah’s shot was heading like a rocket towards David Raya’s goal until the Brazil defender intervened with a combination of neck, chin and face. It has become customary for Gabriel to celebrate his blocks and last-ditch tackles by beating his chest in delight but even he needed a moment to come to his senses.
