"On course": Carragher says £65m Arsenal star will win PFA Player of the Year if Gunners secure PL title

Arsenal picked up a fourth-straight Premier League win after a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Gunners have been in brilliant form over the past month. They extended their lead at the top of the table to four points after beating the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel Magalhaes was once again brilliant in the heart of the defence. He won four aerial duels against Jean-Philippe Mateta and made a terrific block during the second half.

The centre-back has made four goal contributions in all competitions this term, but could not add to his tally yesterday. His header on goal, unfortunately, hit the woodwork.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said that Gabriel is the leader and has been a colossus at the back. He described him as the most influential player in the Premier League.

He added that the £65 million-rated star will be the number one contender to win the PFA Player of the Year if the Gunners were to secure the Premier League title this season.

Carragher said: “Gabriel is the leader. He’s a colossus at the back and the best set-piece threat. This happens every game. He’s the best defender in a team that produces the best defensive numbers.

“I think Gabriel is the most influential player in the Premier League right now. If Arsenal are to win the Premier League, he will be on course to win the PFA Player of the Year. He’s the No 1 contender.”

Gabriel leading by example in title pursuit

The 27-year-old is enjoying the best phase of his playing career. He suffered a hamstring injury during the back end of last season, but has been exceptional since his comeback.

The Brazil international has been a menace to opposition defenders. Fulham boss Marco Silva recently admitted that Gabriel is ‘impossible to stop‘ after his assist for Leandro Trossard’s winner.

The former Lille man has instilled fear with his goalscoring reputation in recent years, but he has also been brilliant in central defence for Arsenal despite change of partners this term.

William Saliba has had injury concerns during the early part of the season. This has not hampered Gabriel, and he has provided words of encouragement to Cristhian Mosquera.

Gabriel has undoubtedly become Arsenal’s leader at the back, and the onus is on continuing his brilliant form as the Gunners seek to end their two-decade-long wait for the English crown.

Arsenal travel to Turf Moor for their next league game against Burnley on Saturday. Prior to that, they host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

There should be wholesale changes to the starting XI against the Seagulls, particularly with manager Mikel Arteta confirming four fresh injuries after the 1-0 win over Palace yesterday.

Also read: Gary Neville makes Premier League title prediction on Arsenal after Man City and Liverpool lose

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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