Arteta admits ‘we were all scared’ after Gabriel injury scare vs Everton
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal were genuinely frightened when Gabriel Magalhães went down injured during Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates, revealing it was not the fall itself but the reaction of his teammates that alarmed him most.
The Brazilian defender appeared to hurt his right knee while stretching to make a clearance early in the second half. His immediate reaction was concerning, 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, and what followed showed exactly why Arteta values him so highly.
Arteta reveals what scared him
Speaking after the match, Arteta explained that the alarm came from the reaction of the players around Gabriel rather than the nature of the injury itself. As reported by the Evening Standard, the Arsenal manager said:
“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 defender, 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 at the back. Gabriel's partnership with Ezri Konsa has provided much needed stability in recent weeks, and both defenders getting on the scoresheet against Everton was an added bonus.
Arteta's comments also point to something statistics cannot measure: the mentality Gabriel brings to this Arsenal side when things look uncertain.
Playing on and scoring does not necessarily rule out a lingering issue, and supporters will be hoping the defender has come through the knock without any lasting problems. With Arsenal's win moving them level on points with Manchester City, keeping their defensive leader fit could prove significant as the season progresses.
Arsenal will be hoping for positive updates on Gabriel's fitness as training resumes ahead of the next round of fixtures.
