Gabriel's far-post magic wins Arsenal another North London derby

As Arsenal and Spurs lined up Wednesday for the reverse fixture, plenty had changed from that fateful day in September. Arsenal found itself without Saka, for one, but also without Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus. 

None of it mattered. Amid Arsenal's seismic change stood one man doing what he does best: "Gabriel at the far post."

Gabriel is 6-foot-3 and functionally indestructible. He's started at least 34 of Arsenal's 38 Premier League games per season since becoming a first-string player in 2021. With stats like that, it's tempting to file Gabriel away as a physical, hard-nosed, hard-tackling player in the mold of John Terry.

But reducing Gabriel — one of the most fascinating and supremely talented central defenders of this era — down to a stereotypical 'big man' would do him a grand disservice. It's not Gabriel's tackles that set him apart; he ranks in the lowly 19th percentile on them when compared to his global defensive peers.

No, Gabriel's strength comes from something altogether more intellectual and creative: his set-piece positioning and his nose for goal. He's been the Premier League's top-scoring defender since 2021 with 16 goals to his name, many of which wound up being game winners. 

In 2024-25 alone, Gabriel's goal tally competes with the likes of winger Amad Diallo at Manchester United, striker Darwin Nunez at Liverpool, winger Bernardo Silva at Manchester City, midfielder Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea and striker Leon Bailey at Aston Villa. 

Gabriel has scored enough this season to render comparisons to his defensive peers virtually impossible. Only Josko Gvardiol — Manchester City's left-back-cum-midfielder who has covered several positions throughout City's difficult 2024-25 season — comes close to him.

Gabriel has become an immovable force in front of Arsenal's goal, too. He and his center back partner William Saliba have conceded fewer goals (19) than any defensive pairing in the Premier League this season. They're quick, versatile defenders with world-beating passing statistics. They don't need tackles. They can pass through anyone.

As Arsenal muddles through the winter, Gabriel's consistency in front of both nets could be the thing that keeps the team's title challenge on course. Defenders, midfielders and striker have fallen to injury; throughout it all, Gabriel has been there, picking up the pieces. It's a huge responsibility for a 27-year-old and one he's managed with admirable aplomb.

2024-25 has been a season of change for Arsenal. But the more things change, the more Gabriel stays at the far post ... and the more things stay the same.

Arsenal will continue its Premier League title fight on Saturday against Aston Villa.