SETTABLOID

Arsenal reportedly turned down the chance to sign Adrien Rabiot over the weekend before Marseille agreed in principle to sign the free agent.

Rabiot, 29, has been available since leaving Juventus in July, and a host of Premier League teams were reputedly reminded of his availability recently. The former Manchester City player reputedly wanted a return to England this summer, but that will seemingly not materialise.

He arrived in southern France on Monday night before completing a move to the Ligue 1 club despite spending almost a decade at their rivals Paris Saint-Germain after being born in the capital’s suburbs. Rabiot made over 200 appearances for PSG across seven seasons, winning Ligue 1 five times before moving to Serie A.

Inside his home, Gabriel Magalhaes has a table where all his career accolades sit. In and among the player of the month awards sit two Premier League man of the match trophies, both won in North London Derby victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Two games. Five months apart. Same result.

It’s a physical embodiment of the levels of consistency that few thought he could reach. Not so long ago, Gabriel was seen as a ticking time bomb. It was a question of when, not if, his next rash moment would come. Now he is viewed by many inside Arsenal as more dependable even than his central defensive partner William Saliba. Defying expectations is something the Brazilian has made a habit of though.

It was ugly but necessary from Arsenal in Sunday’s North London Derby, and a Gabriel header ensured they escaped the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all three points.

Mikel Arteta has cultivated a battle-hardened group that can win when the going get’s tough. They played without the ball for much of Sunday’s game, but backed themselves to shut out a spritely but ultimately blunt Tottenham attack.

This was a big-boy showing from the Gunners, whose collective effort was immense. However, there were a few individuals who stood out on the big occasion once more, so let’s celebrate them.

1. Gabriel & William Saliba

William Saliba is the slightly younger and more stylish defender who gets plaudits galore, but I thought Gabriel outperformed the Frenchman last season and should be regarded as equally important to the Arteta project.

2. Jurrien Timber

I don’t have to data to back this up, but when they did venture wide, Tottenham seemed intent on attacking this demon in the second-half – perhaps believing they could bait Timber into picking up a second booking.

3. Kai Havertz

Bukayo Saka assisted Gabriel’s header, Gabriel Martinelli was a threat in behind and a dogged runner defensively, while Kai Havertz was his usual pesky self.

Kai Havertz has expressed his excitement over Raheem Sterling’s arrival at Arsenal, describing the Chelsea winger as an ‘incredible’ addition to the squad. Sterling joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day, making the move from west to north London on a season-long loan.

Sterling, 29, brings a wealth of experience to Arsenal, having won four Premier League titles and played for top clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Despite his achievements, Sterling found himself sidelined by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who excluded the England international from first-team training and encouraged him to seek a move before the summer transfer window closed.

Now with Arsenal, Sterling aims to help the club in their bid to end a lengthy Premier League title drought and make a strong impact in the Champions League. Arsenal’s European campaign begins this Thursday against Italian side Atalanta.

Yesterday’s win at Tottenham was a prime example of just how good Saliba and Gabriel are and both were praised after the game.

Ian Wright was one of those to be impressed by Gabriel, while Vinicius Junior was also on social media loving the Brazilian’s performance.

Meanwhile, Saliba was lauded by Matt Upson for his contribution in the win as he once again showed his class.

Gabriel scored the only goal in the North London Derby after Arsenal got off to a slow start against Mikel Arteta’.

The absence of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice proved to be key for Mikel Arteta’s side. Odegaard suffered a suspected ankle injury during the international break while on duty with Norway.

Rice, meanwhile, was suspended following his dismissal at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. As a result, Jorginho played alongside Thomas Partey with Kai Havertz in the attacking midfield role.

Gabriel’s second half header was enough for Arsenal to claim their third win in the Premier League and move one point clear of Liverpool. The Brazilian defender celebrated in an unusual way, copying Memphis Depay’s iconic goal celebration.

The Gunners went into their biggest game of the season without Kieran Tierney, Maritn Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Mikel Merino. Riccardo Calalfiori and Declan Rice, while Gabriel Jesus was only fit enough for the bench. It was enough to give even Mikel Arteta nightmares.

Even with all this going against them, Arsenal found a way to win. The North London Derby is one of the most consistently entertaining fixtures in the Premier League. This though is not one that will live long in the memory. Arteta won’t care.