Arsenal face Alexis Sanchez injury and opinions on Gabriel Paulista

   Arsenal has been once again bitten by the injury bug and this time the victim is our star performer Alexis Sanchez. Its just a hamstring which has ruled him out of the weekend clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates but he should be fit by the time we face Spurs at the Lane! It might prove to be a blessing in disguise as he'll get some much needed rest and meanwhile give him valuable time to recharge his batteries. And with the form of the team and available players, we will see-off the villans! So not a big issue and by the way, its a first one for the Chilean since he joined in July!
   Moving on, signing of Gabriel Paulista has got everyone talking. This is what Wenger had to say of his new Gunner: "He has good pace, he’s good in the challenge and he’s tall - so he can adapt to English football. Maybe it will take some time to adapt completely, but overall it’s very good to have him. He’s very ambitious, focused and serious. That’s important at a club like ours - you need to have a complete focus on your job. He has that." Talking of his versatility, he said "Gabriel can play right back and left back, and that is of course a good quality as well.”
   Tactical Expert Michael Cox had following to say about our new number 5: "A proactive, no-nonsense defender who plays on the front foot. Gabriel wants to play high up the pitch and sneak in ahead of opponents to win the ball quickly. Gabriel’s game is about physicality; he thunders into challenges, is hugely commanding in the air, and there’s a ruggedness about his game which is somewhat stereotypical of South American centre backs."
   Spanish Football expert Guillem Balague also voiced his opinion on the Brazilian: "He's very fast, very brave, strong in the air and anticipates really cleverly.  I was saying to Marcelino that he reminds me of Thomas Vermaelen but he said that Gabriel was more like Laurent Koscielny. Like both of them, when he first arrived at the club he was a bit light and had to get stronger, but in terms of centre-back qualities, he’s there. It’s a step in the right direction as there is clearly a profile of centre backs that Arsenal want, and I think he will succeed. He’s an investment and is the kind of player whose value will only increase in the coming years. I’d say Gabriel probably has a bit of adapting to do at Arsenal but I can see that he will be at the same level as everybody else in a few months."
   Judging by their opinions, we can conclude that he is definetly a value addition to the squad and will serve the purpose of being brought here that is providing cover and competition to Per and Koscielny!
   Will start build up for the game tomorrow!
(Quotes courtesy www.arsenal.com)