‘I am suited to the Premier League’

Gabriel believes the power of the Premier League will help him become an even better player.

The Brazilian defender has impressed in his first five league appearances for Arsenal, helping the Gunners keep a clean sheet against Everton in only his second start for the club.

Gabriel accepts the Premier League is a greater challenge to the one he faced in Brazil and Spain, but he believes the pace and physicality of English football compliments his style of play.

“There’s not that much of a difference between Spanish and English football,” the defender said. “In Spain there is a bit more rhythm to the football but here there is more power and contact. My style of football is the English style, so I’m adapting really well.

“On the first few days the understanding with the other team-mates was difficult. Now that I’ve been here for three months I am already understanding a lot more. It’s helped me feel more settled because my understanding of English is much better.”

Gabriel’s next challenge could come on Monday night at Hull City, and the defender believes Arsenal are well prepared to take on last season’s FA Cup finalists.

“I don’t really know much about Hull,” the defender admitted. “But I do know that every game in the Premier League is very difficult and because they’re fighting not to be relegated, it’s going to make the match even harder. We’ve got a really good team so we’re going to fight as hard as we can.”