Big news on the Arsenal team sheet today, as Gabriel Paulista replaces Per Mertesacker to receive his full Premier League debut. Big decision from the boss, but a fair one given Mertesacker’s recent form, and Gabriel now has a massive chance to stake his claim. The Brazilian will certainly be relishing this chance, and he has looked good so far in this match. His pace will be a welcome inclusion, as his ability to recover is far superior to that of Mertesacker. Have a look at how twitter reacted to Gabriel’s big chance.
Good to see Gabriel & chamberlain in starting eleven.
— Zeeshan Sajid (@ZeeshanSajid1) March 1, 2015
This Gabriel guy at the back for arsenal looks militant
— uncle edot (@edotedotedotman) March 1, 2015
This is a really big opportunity for Gabriel to cement a starting position in this team ahead of Mertesacker. Hope he has a good game today.
— . (@OneLilChilean) March 1, 2015
Big test for Gabriel/Koscielny partnership vs Lukaku. Chambers & Mertesacker struggled at Goodison Park. #AFCvEFC
— Arsenal. (@DareToWenger) March 1, 2015
Mertesacker dropped, Gabriel playing instead. No nonsense from Wenger!
— MGH (@OfficialMgh) March 1, 2015
Per's lack of pace has given Arsenal so many problems when attacked on the counter, curious to see how Gabriel and Koscielny will hold up.
— Michiel Jongsma (@JongsmaJongsma) March 1, 2015
Per Mertesacker had to be dropped for today – great chance for Gabriel to establish himself.
— Arsenal News (@__arsenal_news_) March 1, 2015