Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Gabriel is thriving in the role of Arsenal's enforcer
Evening Standard
|April 02, 2024
Brazilian is perfect partner for silky Saliba at heart of defence
EVEN after the full-time whistle had gone at the Etihad on Sunday, Erling Haaland and Gabriel were still going at each other.
The pair had been locked in a battle all game and more heated words were exchanged.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acted as mediator and eventually the pair embraced in a hug before breaking out into smiles.
For Gabriel, it was recognition of a job well done as Arsenal held City to a 0-0 draw to boost their title prospects. Few defences can keep Haaland quiet, but Arsenal have shut him out on three occasions this season.
Each time Haaland has failed to manage even a single shot on target and, as much as neutrals may not be enthralled by the prospect of Arsenal and City potentially meeting in the Champions League semi-finals after their dull stalemate at the weekend, you can bet the Norwegian feels the same.
Haaland, probably more than anyone from the blue side of Manchester, will be glad to see the back of Arsenal.
The Gunners' defence was lauded for its performance on Sunday but, not for the first time, it was William Saliba who claimed most of the spotlight.
This story is from the April 02, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Evening Standard
The London Standard
Why we all fell in love with zany fashion
From JW Anderson's bronze peaches to Loewe's playful bags, the style set have got their sense of humour back.
4 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
The ultimate London guide for first-time buyers
From new-builds to no-deposit mortgages, how to make the most of lower prices.
7 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
A SAUNTER AROUND SYDNEY WITH RICK STEIN
The chef and TV star adores the fish at Margaret, knows where to take a shark- proof swim and loves a bar crawl in Surry Hills - preferably to the sound of Cold Chisel
4 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
'I DON'T WANT TO BE IDOLISED, BUT IF PEOPLE IDOLISE ME, I CAN'T HELP IT'
As she conquers the UK charts, Nigerian megastar Tems talks about working with Rihanna, amplifying the voices of African women and flying the flag for real music
7 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
Inside the battle for the soul of music and the search for an antidote to AI-generated slop
Neo soul singer Sienna Rose is the full package.
2 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
'When I was at my lowest ebb, that hour of connection and hot lunch meant everything'
As our final appeal total hits £2.65m, we meet a client of a charity your support helps
4 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
Labour's policies are pushing restaurants over the edge — I've never seen it so bad _
I remember first coming to this incredible city years ago, and in the past three decades I've seen many talented chefs carving out their reputations, open amazing restaurants - but now the industry is facing a bloodbath.
4 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
Alas, poor Hamnet - it's a beautiful film but the storyline is utter tosh
Chloe Zhao's adaptation of the Maggie O'Farrell novel Hamnet has had rave reviews, so I could not wait to see it.
3 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
Pochettino holds real appeal as the unifying force at Tottenham
The club’s former boss has made no secret of his desire to return to the helm one day.
2 mins
January 22, 2026
The London Standard
'I HAD SOMETHING I NEEDED TO EXPRESS ... NOT BEING ABLE TO WAS KILLING ME'
Jacob Alonhasjustscooped the 2026 Brits Critics' Choice Awardand with their intimately hauntingfolk, the young Scottish singersongwriter may be the hottest new talentin years.
6 mins
January 22, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size