Former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks was impressed by Arsenal defender Gabriel yesterday.

Gabriel shone in Arsenal's 3-0 rout of Manchester United.

Crooks said: "I saw Gabriel stand up to Chelsea's Diego Costa recently at Stamford Bridge and he refused to be intimidated by the striker. Sadly for Arsenal, he paid a heavy price for his boldness and was sent off.

"His performance, while less demanding against Manchester United, was extremely professional and he looked like a very composed defender with the ball at his feet.

"He reduced Anthony Martial to the minimum of chances and was instrumental in achieving Arsenal's first clean sheet of the season."