Arteta admits Arsenal 'were all scared' after Gabriel injury scare
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal were genuinely frightened when Gabriel Magalhães went down injured during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates, before the Brazilian got straight back up and scored the winner.
Gabriel appeared to hurt his right knee while stretching to make a clearance early in the second half. His immediate reaction was concerning, with the defender signalling towards the bench before receiving treatment on the pitch. For a few uncomfortable minutes, it looked as though Arsenal might lose one of their most important players.
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Gabriel was determined to continue, however, and what followed demonstrated exactly why Arteta values him so highly.
Arteta reveals what really scared him
Speaking after the match, Arteta revealed that it wasn't necessarily Gabriel's fall that caused the greatest concern, but the reaction of those around him. As reported by the Evening Standard, the Arsenal manager explained: “Well, he's a clear example, when I'm talking about the mentality of the team, obviously the mentality of the team is the mentality of the individuals in the team. Gabi is a great example of that because we were all scared. Not because of the way he went down, but the reaction of the players that were next to him.”
He continued: “Immediately he says that he wants to continue and then he scores a goal to help us win the game. That's what we need from our players.”
It was quite a turnaround for the Brazilian, who went from looking unlikely to finish the match to heading home Arsenal's second goal in the 69th minute. Gabriel was outstanding at both ends of the pitch throughout the contest.
Gabriel's importance goes beyond defending
With William Saliba still unavailable, Arsenal can hardly afford another setback in central defence. Gabriel's partnership with Ezri Konsa has provided some much needed stability at the back, and both defenders getting on the scoresheet against Everton was an added bonus.
Arteta's comments also underline something that statistics cannot measure: the determination and mentality Gabriel brings to this Arsenal side. Playing on and scoring doesn't necessarily rule out a lingering issue, though, and supporters will be hoping the defender has come through the knock without any lasting problems.
Arsenal's victory moved them level on points with Manchester City, and keeping their defensive leader fit could prove important in the weeks ahead. Attention now turns to how Gabriel comes through training before Arsenal's next fixture.
