Mikel Arteta has always prioritized building Arsenal into the Premier League’s strongest defensive team, and that vision has now been realized.
However, despite this progress, doubts remained about Arsenal’s ability to compete with Manchester City for the league title.
The common concern was that Arsenal lacked the squad depth necessary to replace key players effectively, making it difficult for them to challenge City over the course of the season.
Ahead of their North London Derby against Tottenham, many believed that Arsenal would play for a draw, especially with key players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard missing from the lineup.
The general assumption was that without these pivotal figures, Arsenal would struggle to compete at their usual level and would adopt a defensive approach to secure a point.
Arsenal, however, defied those expectations. While there were periods where they had to defend solidly, the team was far from passive.
They demonstrated the same resilience and discipline that had been evident in previous matches, such as their victory over Aston Villa.
In that match, they absorbed pressure and patiently waited for the right opportunity to strike—a strategy that paid off again against Tottenham.
Central to Arsenal’s success was Gabriel Magalhaes, who played a crucial role in both defense and attack.
Renowned for his defensive abilities, Gabriel not only held the backline together but also contributed the match-winning goal.
He made the most of a Bukayo Saka corner, taking advantage of Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario being caught flat-footed, and confidently headed the ball into the net.
Gabriel’s performance underscored his increasing importance to the team.
Signed for £27 million, he has proven to be a bargain for Arsenal, becoming a key figure with his defensive solidity and ability to score important goals.
After the game, Gabriel shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “What a Feeling!! Thank you GOD!!!”
His post attracted praise from both club and international teammates, including fellow center-back William Saliba and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal has developed a deep belief in their defensive strength.
The team operates with the mindset that if they can secure a clean sheet, often just one goal is enough to win, even against tough opposition.
The North London Derby victory was a clear example of this approach, as Arsenal remained composed, absorbed pressure from Tottenham, and ultimately secured a vital win to keep their Premier League title ambitions alive.
This match was a testament to Arsenal’s evolving defensive fortitude, proving that they can compete with the best, even when key players are unavailable.
Gabriel’s performance, in particular, has solidified his status as one of the standout players in Arteta’s squad, and his contribution in both defense and attack has been invaluable to Arsenal’s continued success this season.
