Gabriel Magalhaes impresses for Arsenal in Leeds win

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes produced an impressive defensive performance as the club held on for a slender 1-0 Premier League win at Leeds United.

The Gunners picked up their ninth league victory of the season on Sunday, but had to work hard for the result with Leeds being the better side after the interval.

There was some luck in the Gunners’ favour. The Whites failed to score from the penalty spot while there were also several other scoring opportunities missed.

Still, Arsenal needed to show a good defensive resolve and Gabriel lead the way with a resolute display.

The Brazilian did not make the best of starts at Elland Road. His distribution was definitely off colour in the first half with a few misplaced passes in his own half.

However, the central defender grew in confidence as the game went on. He ended up with 81 touches while completing 55 of his 61 passes attempted (90 percent).

Meanwhile, he won eight duels alongside three tackles, three interceptions and four clearances. Magalhaes also made four blocks including a crucial one on Luis Sinisterra.

Right at the end, Gabriel was sent off for an attempted kick out at Patrick Bamford in the box, but fortunately the referee overturned the decision after reviewing with VAR.

Bamford was adjudged to have fouled Gabriel first and in the process, the defender’s punishment was lowered to a yellow card. The penalty awarded was also cancelled out.

There was good fortune on the Gunners’ side at Elland Road, but these are the kind of victories that the club require if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title.

Gabriel has come for some criticism for his decision-making of late, but he definitely stepped up against Leeds. It was a game where William Saliba was far from his best.

Arsenal have now moved four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Stats from SofaScore.com