Kai Havertz heaps praise on Gabriel Magalhaes after Brentford win

Arsenal playmaker Kai Havertz was quick to praise Gabriel Magalhaes on Instagram following the 3-0 Premier League win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Gunners needed a victory at the Amex Stadium to return to the top of the table and they managed to secure the result with a convincing display over 90 minutes.

Aside from the early exchanges, Arsenal were in cruise control in the game. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were brilliant as usual at the heart of the defence.

Following the victory, Magalhaes thanked the fans on Instagram after ‘a massive win in a really difficult stadium‘. In response, Havertz said that he was a ‘machine’.

Magalhaes impresses for Arsenal in Brighton win

Magalhaes has been in exceptional form since the turn of the year and he could have scored in just the second minute at Brighton. His header went just wide of goal.

The Brazilian did not get another big chance to make amends, but he was solid defensively. The 26-year-old had 70 touches in the game, winning 80 per cent of his duels.

He also completed 42 passes while making six clearances. Magalhaes also made a terrific block in the closing minutes to ensure that the club kept another clean sheet.

Arsenal currently have one of the best defences in Europe’s top-five leagues and they can make a statement when they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The first leg of the Champions League quarter-final will be played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. It is left to be seen whether they can replicate the recent scoring form.

The club found it tough versus Porto in the round of 16. It could be more difficult versus Bayern despite their poor league form. Saliba and Magalhaes have a huge role to play.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com