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Arsenal: Fans slam Gabriel display in Europa League
Many Arsenal fans were left fuming at the display of Gabriel despite their 3-2 win over Benfica in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.
Two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, including one right at the death, and a fierce strike from Kieran Tierney ensured that it was Mikel Arteta’s men that went through into the next round after the Portuguese club were gifted two goals on a plate by Dani Ceballos.
Should Arsenal start Gabriel?
Yes
No
One was a wonderful free kick but the central midfield player, currently on loan from Real Madrid, dangled a leg to commit a foul on the edge of the box, while Benfica then took the lead when his backwards header fell too short for Bernd Leno to come and collect.
Nonetheless, while Ceballos had a night to forget, the performance of Gabriel also flattered to deceive several members of the Emirates Stadium faithful.
The former Lille man lost out on nine of his duels, the most lost out of any player to have set foot on the pitch, as he also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 12 times, earning him a very measly 6.2 overall rating on Sofascore, the lowest out of any of his teammates.
Arsenal fan reaction to Gabriel display
These Gunners supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Gooner even going as far as to say that the Brazilian central defender was ‘absolutely dreadful’:
“Willian was actually not bad when he came on, Gabriel was woeful, we move. #AFC”
“Why didn’t we send Gabriel out on loan? He’s been absolutely dreadful tonight!! #AFC #Arsenal #ARSBEN”
“Gabriel not good enough. Mari better. ESR wide doesn’t work. Much bigger threat at 10, as runs in behind. Odegaard not a threat at all. Saka superb again. #ARSBEN”
“Aside from Ceballos and Arteta that nearly cost us this game and the last 16, Gabriel played for the opposition today… like what sort of atrocious defending was all through the match? #ARSBEN”
“Arsenal did not deserve the win. Benfica were the better side. We count this win on the individual talent and display of Saka. Defensively Luiz and Gabriel were clumsy. Precarious pair. Full of mistakes. Auba is not a to be trusted…. #ARSBEN”
“We are through but what a bad game from us. Ceballos with 2 stupid mistakes to let them score, Gabriel had his worst game I feel. I can see why Arteta wants Bellerin sold too. Hoping we get an easier draw next round! #ARSBEN #UEL”
In other news, find out whose display was slammed in the first leg here!
