Gabriel marks 200th Premier League appearance with a goal vs Everton
Gabriel Magalhães picked the perfect occasion to find the net. Arsenal's Brazilian centre back marked his 200th Premier League appearance with a goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton, heading home Ben White's cross in the 69th minute to send the Gunners on their way to another clean sheet.
Speaking to Arsenal Media after the match, Gabriel admitted the milestone meant a great deal to him. 'I feel really good, it was a nice day for me and to make my 200th Premier League appearance in this shirt is a pleasure,' he said. 'I'm really happy, and thank you to the fans for the love, but the most important thing today was the three points.'
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The header was Gabriel's 21st Premier League goal for Arsenal and his 14th scored with his head, a tally bettered only by Olivier Giroud's 27 headed league goals in Arsenal colours. It was also notable for being Gabriel's first Premier League goal from open play, with his previous strikes all coming from set pieces.
The goal came despite a nervy moment earlier in the second half when Gabriel required treatment on the pitch, prompting concern among supporters. He recovered to see out the game and finish the afternoon on the scoresheet. 'I'm really proud of myself. Everything I do is to make myself stronger, to learn every day, and I'm really happy to make my 200th appearance with this shirt,' he said.
Gabriel and Konsa share the spotlight
Gabriel was not the only centre back celebrating after full time. Defensive partner Ezri Konsa also got his name on the scoresheet, making it the first time two Arsenal centre backs have scored in the same Premier League match since Gabriel and William Saliba both found the net against West Ham in February 2024.
'[Ezri and I] just spoke about it in the dressing room,' Gabriel said, laughing. 'We work so hard every day. Today it happened, the two centre backs scored, so we are really happy.' Gabriel also praised his teammate, describing Konsa as a top guy and highlighting the quality he has brought to the squad since arriving at the club.
A milestone to remember
Two hundred Premier League appearances, 21 league goals and another clean sheet to his name, Gabriel's afternoon against Everton captured much of what has made him such a consistent presence at the back for Arsenal since his move to the club. The win keeps Arsenal's defensive record intact as the season progresses, with Gabriel once again proving as influential at the attacking end of the pitch as he is at the back.
