Arsenal 28yo nominated for Player of the Matchweek

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has been nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Matchweek award, with voting currently still open.

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Arsenal had two defenders on the scoresheet in Sunday’s win over Chelsea, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both netting, with both featuring in the BBC’s Team of the Week.

But the Premier League have nominated another member of Mikel Arteta’s backline for their Player of the Matchweek award, with Gabriel Magalhaes on a shortlist of eight players.

Gabriel joins Everton’s Beto, Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard, Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Wolves’ Joao Gomes, Brighton’s Diego Gomez, and Fulham’s Harry Wilson, with voting open here until 12:00 GMT on Tuesday, March 3rd.

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Though he didn’t score for the Gunners, Gabriel did assist Saliba’s header with a fantastic leap to meet Bukayo Saka’s corner.

Just as importantly, the centre-back put in a strong display at the back to limit Chelsea largely to set-piece opportunities, as the Blues were able to create very little from open play.

Joao Pedro put in a hard-working performance for Chelsea up front, and another defender could have really struggled against the former Brighton man in that kind of form. But Gabriel was up to the task and ultimately helped win Arsenal another big three points.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

After voting closes at midday, the winner of the Player of the Matchweek award will be announced later on Tuesday.

Arsenal have already won the award four times so far this season: