Viking FK vs Arsenal - 5 takeaways from the friendly match

#4 Gabriel Paulista looks shaky

Gabriel Paulista isn’t up to the mark on his return from illness

Gabriel Paulista got his first taste of preseason action in this game, and it showed. He looked a little rusty and lacked the decisiveness and confidence required of a centre back. He missed Arsenal’s preseason tour of the United States due to tonsillitis.

With Per Mertesacker out of action for at least four months, and Laurent Koscielny currently holidaying after his participation in the UEFA Euro Cup 2016, Gabriel is the senior most defender available to Arsene Wenger for initial stages of the upcoming Premier League season.

Arsenal’s back line have been shaky throughout the preseason, in spite of which they managed to record three wins out of four. The Brazilian in particular was unimpressive in this game. He looked rather shaky at times and made some poor decisions. He was criticised for giving away possession too cheaply multiple times.

Arsenal’s first two fixtures of the season are against Liverpool and defending champions Leicester City, so they really do need to get their defensive problems sorted out. Wenger will be desperately hoping that the 25-year-old is able to recapture his previous form before the season kicks off.