Arsenal's Gabriel calls for response against Manchester United

Gabriel Paulista has called for calm following our disappointing loss against Olympiacos in midweek, and claims we need to focus on Manchester United’s trip to the Emirates, as reported on Arsenal.com.

Paulista knows just how poor we were against the Greek side, and accepted that the players have nobody to blame but themselves. He is confident qualification can still be achieved, but for the moment wants to concentrate on the upcoming game against United.

“It was a complicated night [against Olympiacos],” he said.

“We were in a good place in the first half, defending well, we were happy. But the three goals were our own fault.

“We only have ourselves to blame for conceding them and now we have to rest, work harder, and then on Sunday come back and have a good game.

“We just need to be calm. We have to work hard and focus on putting in a good performance [against Manchester United].

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“I am sad that we lost an important game at home. But we can still qualify. We have a very strong team, with some very good players. We now have to try to win the remaining matches in the group.”

The Brazilian joined the club last January, and has quickly become a fan favourite. His aggressive style of play and willingness to throw himself into a tackle have particularly endeared him to Gooners around the world, and he looks like an excellent acquisition.

Many have been calling for Gabriel to replace Per Mertesacker as our starting centre-back, with a partnership of the 24-year-old and Laurent Koscielny potentially devastating. The pair would offer us real pace at the back and an ability to successfully play a high line, something we badly lack with Mertesacker in the side.

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Hopefully the rest of the team hear his call, and put in a good performance when Louis van Gaal’s side head to the Emirates.