Arsenal sporting director Edu and one Hale End academy gem sent a message to one player after his performance against Manchester City.
Gabriel Magalhaes was singled out for praise after Arsenal held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw.
Alongside William Saliba, the Brazilian centre-back produced a defensive masterclass to keep the reigning champions at bay throughout the nine minutes.
Mikel Arteta will be delighted with how his side defended as a team. Declan Rice was hailed for his efforts in man-marking Kevin De Bruyne. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz pressed at every opportunity, whilst Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka dropped back from the flanks to support the full-backs.
The Gunners were rewarded for their efforts with a well-earned and important draw. This result keeps them in the heat of the title race and will give them a confidence boost knowing that they have now taken four points off of Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
This match marked the first time Arsenal have earned a point on the road against Manchester City since 2016.
Arsenal were also able to end Manchester City’s 57-game streak of scoring in games at the Etihad Stadium.
Gabriel Magalhaes wins battle with Erling Haaland
Of course, key to stopping the Cityzens from finding the back of the net was neutralising the threat posed by Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker is a prolific marksman who has punished the Gunners in the past.
On this occasion, however, Gabriel and Saliba won their battle with the 23-year-old. Gabriel got stuck into his physical duel with Haaland, which even spilled over again after the final whistle. The Arsenal man used all of his physicality and fighting spirit to ensure that Haaland never got a clear-cut opportunity in the match.
Arsenal figures respond to Gabriel Magalhaes on social media after Man City display
After the match, Gabriel took to Instagram to celebrate the Gunners’ position in the title race, as he posted, “Still a lot to play! Hungry for more!”
Rice responded with a handshake emoji, whilst Edu also answered with an applauding emoji.
Meanwhile, academy goalkeeper James Hillson replied, calling Gabriel a “warrior.”