Arsenal delivered an exceptional performance as they strolled to a 3-0 victory away at Brighton to move to the top of the Premier League.
Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to face Manchester United on Sunday, Arsenal continued their excellent form and made it 10 wins from 11 Premier League games in 2024.
Arsenal were exceptional going forward, and should have scored more beyond the three they netted through Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.
They were also incredible defensively, restricting Brighton to just two shots on target, and one moment in particular pleased Mikel Arteta.
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Mikel Arteta loved Gabriel celebrations in Arsenal win at Brighton
Towards the end of the game, Brighton striker Joao Pedro found space in the Arsenal box, and fired in a shot on goal, but this was superbly blocked by centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
After his block, Gabriel passionately celebrated, and his teammates joined in, hailing him for the outstanding commitment to keeping a clean sheet.
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted that he was pleased with the reaction of his players to the strong defensive work of the Brazilian.
“That’s really pleasing for all the coaches to see that reaction from the team at 3-0,” he stated.
“It’s great because that tells you how much they want it, the importance and the focus they put in every single ball, that was an extra bonus today.”
Arsenal are excelling defensively
Arsenal kept yet another clean sheet, which was their fifth consecutive away shutout, and they have the best defence in the Premier League.
The Gunners have conceded just four goals in 11 league games in 2024, and have now recorded three clean sheets in a row this week.
William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White and Declan Rice have all been crucial to this, as has goalkeeper David Raya, who made an outstanding save from Julio Enciso in the first half.
Whilst Arsenal can be silky going forward, the whole team defends as a unit, and the back line are exceptional at limiting opposition chances.
When they do get a chance, both centre-backs are excellent at stopping them, and Gabriel’s block today was the latest impressive bit of defending from the 26-year-old, who has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season.
If Arsenal are to go all the way in the title race, it will be as a result of their remarkable defence, which helps them consistently pick up points.