He will be vital — Ex-Man City star hails Arsenal defender as key to EPL title

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 06:47 - 07 November 2025

Manchester City icon Micah Richards has identified the main player for Arsenal's title charge this season, calling him an absolute machine.

Former City and Villa defender Micah Richards has publicly admitted that Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes has "proved him wrong," hailing the Brazilian as an "absolute machine."

Gabriel has been instrumental in Arsenal's rise to the top of the Premier League, and the Gunners now hold a 6-point lead over Manchester City.

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Following the performance, the former England international reserved special praise for the centre-back.Richards confessed that when Gabriel initially made his £27 million move to the Emirates, he had reservations about the defender.

Gabriel Magalhaes delivered the sucker punch for Newcastle when he headed in a late winner for Arsenal. Photo: Imago

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “Gabriel, what a player he is. I wasn’t sure about him at the start — he made a couple of mistakes. I thought he looked a little clumsy.”

However, Richards confirmed the 29-year-old has completely won him over, particularly highlighting his versatility and strength.

Gabriel Magalhães has now scored 18 Premier League goals for Arsenal, at least six more than any other defender since he made his debut in the competition in September 2020. 👏

The Brazilian won more duels (11), made more clearances (9) and won more aerial duels (7) than any… pic.twitter.com/ZcC0XcvSFc
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 28, 2025

"He's now turned into an absolute machine. He’s so key from set-pieces, for and against.”

The win was made even more significant by the simultaneous defeats suffered by rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, leaving Bournemouth unexpectedly sitting in second place on the Premier League log.