Arsenal 28yo nominated for Player of the Matchweek

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Week 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 scoring, both making the BBC’s team of the week.

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But the Premier League has nominated another member of Mikel Arteta’s rearguard for its Player of the Week award, with Gabriel Magalhaes on an eight-man shortlist.

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 3.

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Although he didn’t score for the Gunners, Gabriel assisted Saliba’s header with a fantastic jump to meet Bukayo Saka’s corner.

Just as importantly, the centre-back put in a strong performance at the back to limit Chelsea largely to set-piece chances, with the Blues able to create very little open play.

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

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

After voting closes at noon, the winner of the Player of the Week award will be announced later Tuesday.

Arsenal have won the award four times already this season: