Arsenal moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League on Saturday, beating Everton 2-0 at the Emirates, and one player had a day to remember.

On his 200th Premier League appearance, Gabriel Magalhaes cleared off the line to keep Arsenal ahead in the first half, shook off a worrying injury scare early in the second, and then headed home the second goal in the 68th minute.

Mikel Arteta says Gabriel is one of the best centre-backs in the world

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Gabriel Magalhaes.

“I think he’s one of the best centre-backs in the world, no question, with the impact he has in both boxes,” Arteta said. “His leadership, his presence, what he offers to the rest of the boys is unique and we’re very happy to have him.”

According to The Athletic, Arsenal had won 65 per cent of their Premier League games with Gabriel in the side before Saturday, compared with 44 per cent without him since 2020/21. Of the players to have made 150 or more Premier League appearances for Arsenal, only Lauren has a better win rate.

He’s been ever-present this season too, featuring in all 13 of Arsenal’s competitive games. And with William Saliba injured, he has formed an immediate partnership with Konsa, who said after the game that Gabriel is “a top player and a top human” who has made his life easy since he arrived. Forest boss Oliver Glasner even called the pair “possibly the best centre-back pairing in the world at the moment” last week.