Arsenal boss Arteta warned Gabriel is the weak link in Gunners squad

Southampton v Arsenal: Pictures

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been warned that he has one weak link in his side as the Gunners travelled to face Southampton on Sunday. Granit Xhaka opened the scoring for the visits at St Mary’s, who sit top of the Premier League table after a stunning start to the season.

Arteta’s side have been impressive to begin the season as they have only one blemish on their league record, a defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in September. Arsenal’s front three have led from the front but also kept a strong defensive record as before a ball had been kicked on Sunday only Newcastle had conceded fewer goals so far this campaign than the Gunners.

It has been a reshuffled back four from last season, as Ben White shifted across from centre-back to right-back which has enabled William Saliba to come into the team alongside Gabriel. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney have all played at left-back this season.

The one mainstay from last season has been Gabriel, but former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes that he is the one weak link in the Arsenal team and that they may “be looking” at a potential transfer in that area in the future. “I’ve been so impressed and I love everything they’re doing,” Redknapp told Sky Sports prior to kick-off.

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“But if there was a place you could get success it would be against this man [Gabriel], gave a goal away against Fulham, penalty against Tottenham, against Liverpool he looked shaky and he can be rash, tries to win every ball. If you’re looking at where there might be a slight weakness, I’m sure that’s where they’ll be looking.”

The Brazilian signed a new deal at the Emirates on Friday until 2027, and was praised by his boss Arteta. “Gabi has shown huge qualities since he joined us,” the Spaniard said. “He is a young player with a great work ethic and his consistent strong performances have been hugely important to us over the past two seasons.

“Working with Gabi every day is a pleasure, he has formed strong relationships with everyone at the club and we’re so pleased that he has committed to us on a long-term contract.”

Arsenal technical director Edu echoed his manager’s sentiments. “It’s great that we’ve agreed a new deal with Gabi,” Edu said. “At 24, he’s still a young player and is part of our future. His performances since he joined us in 2020 have been very strong and his positive impact to our results have been clear for everyone to see.

“He has grown so much on and off the pitch, with both his contribution and communication on and off the pitch. We all look forward to see Gabi continue to grow as an important part of our club.”

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