Overview

• Speaking on his YouTube show, Ferdinand said Gabriel has been a joy to watch and is "so aggressive" in a positive, controlled way.
• Ferdinand credited the centre-back with eradicating the rash, emotional mistakes he felt once held him back at Arsenal.
• He recalled that Gabriel privately messaged him two years ago to complain about that criticism, and said he expects the defender may later accept it was fair.
• Arsenal opened the Premier League season with wins over Manchester United and Leeds United before a narrow 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, where Gabriel remained prominent.
• Paul Merson told Sky Sports he has shifted his title pick to Liverpool following their recent results, including the win over Arsenal.