Rio Ferdinand has lavished praise on Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes after the Brazilian international delivered an impressive performance in the Gunners’ defeat of Manchester City in the Premier League.
Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League last season, welcomed Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium last week and secured a 1-0 win. Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in 86 minutes helped Arsenal get the better of defending champions Manchester City.
It was an impressive Arsenal performance, particularly by their defensive department. Arsenal restricted Manchester City to just four shots and one shot on target. At the heart of Arsenal’s defense were William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Both Arsenal defenders dealt with Erling Haaland impressively as the Norwegian international failed to register a single shot on target all game.
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Rio Ferdinand praises Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes
Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, praised Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and said the Brazilian and William Saliba’s partnership is blossoming.
“He (Saliba) and Gabriel’s partnership is really blossoming,” Rio Ferdinand said. “I don’t think he does what he does without a good partner so you have to give Gabriel his flowers as well. He is the A-side in that partnership.“
Rio Ferdinand’s comments praising Gabriel Magalhaes are interesting as he had previously revealed the Arsenal defender had sent him a private message after he criticized him.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season as they aim to better the second-place finish they managed last season. Mikel Arteta and co. sit second in the Premier League points table and are tied on points with table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have 20 points in eight games in the Premier League so far in the 23/24 season. Meanwhile, Manchester City occupy the third place in the Premier League points table and are just two points behind Tottenham and Arsenal.
Liverpool are fourth, and the Merseyside outfit have 17 points from eight matches, just one point less than Man City’s tally.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will take on London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League in their next game. It will be their first game after the October international break. Chelsea have not had a good start to the season but the Blues have won their previous two fixtures in the Premier League.
