Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards is still not convinced about Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes following his display against Manchester City on Saturday.

Many felt that the Brazilian had a pretty decent game, having managed to deal well with Riyad Mahrez on a number of occasions, but Richards remains undecided on whether the £27m signing from Lille is going to transform a Gunners defence which has struggled in recent years:

“Arsenal’s defence still bothers me (is Gabriel the right standard?) but it is evident they are moving in the right direction. They are a long way from the peaks that Wenger brought but the picture is improving.”

It’s a bit harsh from Richards, to be honest. Other than a few shaky moments at the start of the season, Gabriel has looked the part and will no doubt improve further as he adapts to English football.

He certainly looks to have the physicality and aerial presence to deal with the type of strikers he will come up against in the Premier League, while the fact that he is left-footed will give manager Mikel Arteta the balance he needs at the back.