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How Chelsea clash forced Arsene Wenger into Arsenal transfer decision - Martin Keown
ARSENAL were wrong to sell Gabriel Paulista after the defender endured one particularly torrid game against Chelsea, claims Gunners hero Martin Keown.
Brazilian centre-back Gabriel left Arsenal for Valencia in 2017 for just £10million.
The 28-year-old failed to nail down a starting spot under Arsene Wenger during his two-and-a-half years at the club.
Gabriel came up against Arsenal on Thursday in the semi-final of the Europa League.
On the defender, BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey said to Keown: “Hey there’s a familiar face down there.
He got sent off against Costa didn’t he and maybe that was the beginning of the end for him
“You’re still frustrated that they let this man go.
“£10million, no money either.”
Keown claimed Gabriel was perhaps too aggressive a defender for Arsenal at the time.
He got sent off in 2015 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after clashing with striker Diego Costa.
And Keown reckons that is why Gabriel inevitably got sold, even if it was the wrong decision.
“But he was always so aggressive,” Keown said.
“Maybe, I don’t know, was he too aggressive?
“I want a certain thing when I’m watching a game.
“I want someone to put their foot in, to stand up.
“He got sent off against Costa didn’t he and maybe that was the beginning of the end for him.
“It should have been just the start for him.”