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Mikel Arteta praises Gabriel Magalhaes in Fulham win

Gabriel Magalhaes
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Arsenal began their 2020/21 Premier League campaign with a comfortable 0-3 win over London rivals Fulham. 

Mikel Arteta could not have hoped for a better start. Arsenal were the better side at Craven Cottage and the result proved it. 

Goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Magalhaes and  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ensured the result in their favor. However, it was debutant Magalhaes that earned praise from the manager. 

Arteta hailed how the Brazilian defender has rose to the occasion after not playing competitively in the last six months.

“Yeah they’ve been training very well, for Gabi it was a big challenge to come into this small ground in the Premier League,” Daily Mail quoted Arteta.

“Gabi did really well, I think he didn’t play for six months with everything that happened in France. For the new guys more than any again I think was brilliant today.”

Lacazette was also appreciated by the Spanish tactician. The Frenchman scored the opener within eight minutes and the Gunners did not look back after his strike. 

However, Arteta did admit that there are challengers for Lacazette’s spot with Eddie Nketiah his direct competitor.

“He is in my plans – a player I like a lot. He knows that he has Eddie next to him and he’s going to push him. Whoever is in better shape is going to play and that’s the same for everyone.”

Lacazette has been tipped for a move away from the Emirates Stadium. However, he has repeatedly shared his desire to stay in North London.

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