Gabriel Magalhaes Hailed as Best Centre-Back in the World After Arsenal Heroics at Newcastle

Arsenal supporters hailed Gabriel Magalhaes as the best centre-back in world football after he delivered a match-winning performance away at Newcastle on Sunday.

The Brazilian defender headed home his 21st Gunners goal in the 95th minute to complete a 2-1 victory and a dramatic comeback at St James’ Park.

Arsenal had been behind since the 34th minute when Nick Woltemade nodded Newcastle in front, despite complaints from Arsenal that he had fouled Gabriel in the build-up.

That incident sparked a heated confrontation between Gabriel and Woltemade — and it was eventually the Arsenal man who had the last laugh.

Mikel Merino equalised on 84 minutes, heading in from a Declan Rice cross to score against his former club. Gabriel’s winning goal came from a Martin Odegaard corner.

Gabriel Magalhaes stats vs Newcastle

It was not just his goal that made Gabriel the standout candidate for the Player of the Match award on Sunday.

Gabriel won eight aerial duels — more than any other player. Meanwhile, no other player on the pitch made more tackles (three), interceptions (three) or clearances (11) than Gabriel. He also blocked two shots.

Arsenal fans hail Gabriel as best centre-back in the world

The most valuable centre-back in world football was recently revealed to be William Saliba, after his new Arsenal contract increased his estimated transfer value to a whopping £105 million.

Teammate Gabriel was fifth on the list, valued at £75m. However, after Sunday’s game, social media was full of Gunners supporters proclaiming the 27-year-old as the No 1 player in his position on the planet right now.

One tweet read: “Gabriel has established himself as the best center back in world football!”

Another supporter added: “The Best CB in the world.. literally at No 1”.

A third fan wrote: “Gabriel Maghalaes is the best CB in the world in my opinion. I’m not even capping”.

Gunners fan No 4 tweeted: “Gabriel is the best CB in the world currently. Scores so many goals and 1v1 is a monster”.

A fifth message claimed Gabriel had inspired Arsenal to victory despite “corruption”, seemingly referencing multiple VAR reviews that went in favour of Newcastle. It read: “WE BEAT CORRUPTION. GABRIEL IS THE BEST CB IN THE WORLD”.

Mikel Arteta convinced Arsenal “fully deserved the win”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was also unimpressed by some of the VAR decisions on Sunday, in particular an incident in the first half which saw referee Jarred Gillett point to the spot for a foul by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres, only to be advised to reverse his decision.

Arteta reflected in a post-match interview with Sky Sports: “Well, I watched it back and watched it live as well. And if it’s not a clear and obvious error, VAR should not intervene.

“We’ve been told this for a few years, this style of decision again, and for me, it’s very clear that it doesn’t have to intervene because it’s a penalty.”

Arteta added: “We fully deserved the win. The way we played, the way we competed. We fully deserved the win.

“The chances we generated. I think we fully deserved to win the game. We did it in a dramatic manner, but so happy and so proud of the team.”

Arsenal take advantage of Liverpool loss at Crystal Palace

Arsenal’s victory at Newcastle came little more than 24 hours after Premier League title rivals Liverpool had lost 2-1 at Crystal Palace, who are now the only English top-flight team yet to be beaten this season.

The Gunners now sit second in the table, just two points below Arne Slot’s Reds.

Discussing the title race on Sunday evening, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said: “Right now we are guessing but Arsenal are right in the mix. Anyone who is doubting them is completely wrong.”