What do we make of our new CB signing ? It's a bit early to tell, but he showed some good solidity today against Everton and made a goal saving tackle against Lukaku. The BFG could find himself on the bench for an extended period if our new man keeps up these types of performances. I also like the fact that he is an ugly ****er. We haven't had somebody that ugly in the team since Keown. His scary mug should also help to terrify the opposition
A few dodgy mistakes early on, but improved and got better as the game went on. Far too early to tell how he will do in the long term.
Hot and cold, had some great moments, but had some really bad moments, almost cost us a goal, and then in the second half made a very bad misplaced pass that led Koscienly having to make that foul on Lennon to get a yellow, or else Everton would be through on goal again.
He did a lot better than I expected. Loved his slide tackles. Also, marking Lukaku is a nightmare for any experienced defender let alone somebody who can't speak English making their first league start!
What I was pleased about is he looked in the game for us the same as he does on his youtube videos, so it seems we are getting what we paid for. Hopefully he's able to settle and learn more of the language and we could see him become an important rt of the team. That said I'm always wary of defensive signings as they can easily go off track.
He is strong and quick and will not be bullied by any attacker. he was one of the best defenders in Spain. He can be quite committed to challenges though so he might give away free kicks and sometimes penalties. One thing is for definite is that attackers will not get a lot of time to think with him assaulting them!
Good signs that he kept up with the beastly Lukaku, something we've struggled in the past with, beastly players that is. Also agreed on his mug, it's time we had someone looking no nonsense, and you don't get more no nonsense than Gabby. Our pretty boy ratio is far too high but with him in there has leveled it up better.
I thought he did pretty well after a shaky start - but far too early to comment on his long term suitability. I expect him to make quite a few mistakes in his 1st handful of games. As he's new to the league, new to our system, and can't properly communicate with the rest of the back 5 and Coquelin. But hopefully (like against Everton) they don't cost us. I'm excited to see him in full form, and think next season there could be a real battle on for a CB place (especially if Chambers keeps improving, and Merts decides to pull his head out of his **** and show some of last seasons form).
Very true, we should expect a few teething problems with Gabby. This first season should be a bedding in phase for him.
It's an added challenge for the defence at the moment that the likes of Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers and Gabby haven't really ever played together before.
I am like the fact that all the guys you mentioned are really pushing (and in some cases overtaking) the established back 5 - its really good competition - and incredible to think that we've got a player of the talent of Debuchy out injured and we've barely missed him.
I've heard some people describe him as 'outstanding' and 'exceptional' on his full league debut but I think it is important to not use such sensationalist language. He had a decent debut overall but there were still some shaky moments. The misjudgement from the punt forward which led to Lukaku nipping in could have easily on another day resulted in a goal. Credit to Ospina for his timing and amazing reactions. If Lukaku capitalises and sticks the ball in the net, then it's a different game entirely. Aside from that and a few iffy passes now and then where we lost possession a little carelessly, he got better as the game progressed and he does have the makings of a very good centre half. He's fast, he's mobile, he's a superb tackler and isn't afraid to bring the ball out from the back. A very "Arsenal" style centre back really. If bang average on a scale of 1-10 is 5, I'd give him a 6.5/10.
Sounds fair. In terms of debuts I've seen worse but he had some (understandably) shaky moments. New league, new country, new team, new language, first league start and a home game added to the fact the team and fans were very nervous after the Monaco debacle aren't the best circumstances for the poor guy but he did alright. Certainly enough for us to be encouraged. One thing I'll say is people keep saying it's him or Per but Los isn't exactly on form and I could swear he's not 100% fit. I'd not be surprised to see a Per/Gab pairing at times. Hopefully we'll be able to give players the occasional rest now - saucy!
And Gabby gets struck by the Arsenal curse, it's a hamstring issue, and will be out for 3 weeks at least.
Well Per got 90 minutes rest and Kos 40 minutes...what more do you want? Greedy, that's what you all are.
At least he has proved that he is an Arsenal player now. Just needs the set back from the injury to really prove it.
