Mikel Arteta has sent shockwaves through the football world, admitting that Arsenal’s scintillating form, including their midweek demolition of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, has even taken him by surprise. The Gunners are playing some of the most electrifying football of Arteta’s six-year tenure, and the Spanish tactician has boldly declared Brazil defender Gabriel as the team’s only “world-class” star, cementing his status as the backbone of Arsenal’s resurgence.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. Their emphatic victory over Atletico Madrid showcased a team firing on all cylinders, with Gabriel scoring and assisting in what Arteta described as “one of the best 45 minutes of football” since he took charge in December 2019. The Gunners have surged to the top of the Premier League and are among Europe’s elite, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair. They’ve conceded just three goals in the Premier League this season, putting them on track to challenge Chelsea’s historic 2004/05 record of conceding only 15 goals. Meanwhile, their set-piece prowess is unmatched, with Arsenal becoming the first team in Europe’s top five leagues to score ten set-piece goals this season.
Arteta, reflecting on the Atletico thrashing, admitted, “To be honest, what we delivered against Atletico was very unexpected. To score that many goals against Atletico in 96 minutes is very difficult, especially in the period that we did. It caught me by surprise.” The Gunners’ relentless performance left Arteta momentarily lost for tactical decisions, as he revealed, “I was thinking about the subs, and then we scored a goal. I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll do something else,’ and then we scored another! I didn’t have a clue what to do!” This unpredictability, even for the manager, underscores Arsenal’s newfound dynamism and confidence.
Central to this success is Gabriel, the towering Brazilian centre-back who Arteta believes has evolved into one of the world’s best. “If you ask me, I want somebody who dominates both boxes and masters that,” Arteta said. “Gabi can do that. He’s grown—his presence, the way he leads the team, his body language. It’s not a coincidence that he has evolved into one of the best centre-backs in the world.” Gabriel’s ability to impact games at both ends of the pitch, whether scoring from set-pieces or shutting down opposition attacks, has made him indispensable. Arteta’s glowing praise singles him out as Arsenal’s only “world-class” star, a bold statement that highlights the defender’s transformative influence.
Arsenal’s rapid progress this season, despite integrating new players, has defied expectations. Arteta noted, “When we looked at the fixtures at the start of the season, it was very difficult. We have a lot of new players, which is exciting, but they need to gel and start to perform. That process has been quite fast and very efficient.” This cohesive unit, led by Gabriel’s commanding presence, has given Arsenal a platform to sustain their momentum and compete on multiple fronts.
As Arsenal continue their charge in the Premier League and Champions League, Arteta’s revelation about Gabriel’s world-class status and the team’s unexpected brilliance has set the stage for a thrilling season. With a defense that rivals historic records and an attack that overwhelms even the toughest opponents, the Gunners are proving they are genuine contenders. For now, all eyes are on Gabriel, the “world-class” star steering Arsenal toward greatness.