Arsenal have now secured three back-to-back league victories with two clean sheets in the league ahead of this weekend’s trip to Brighton.
After the worst start to a Premier League campaign ever, the Gunners turned their fortunes around.
A 5-0 hammering by Manchester City marked the turning point.
Since then, the Gunners have clawed their way back up the table and after their emphatic North London derby victory, hope to maintain their momentum deeper into the season.
A key part of this has been the return of a number of players from injury, including Thomas Partey and Gabriel.
Arsenal ’s two clean sheets in their last three games have been aided by a defensive rejig and Aaron Ramsdale’s impressive performances between the sticks.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has impressed with his fearlessness and the ease at which he’s adapted to the Premier League.
But the most significant development has arguably been in the middle of defence as Arteta has been selecting the youngest centre-back partnership in the league.
Both 23, Ben White and Gabriel have impressed for Arsenal in recent games, including when they saw off England striker Harry Kane.
And it seems Arteta wants them to become the Gunners' first-choice pairing for the long-term as Gabriel lifted the lid on what his boss demands from his central defenders.
"The manager wants his central defenders to defend well, first and foremost," Gabriel told Sky Sports.
"He wants us to know the moments to attack and the moments to defend. That's what we are trying to do, and we know now when to drop deep and when to push up.
"Having good timing on the pitch is essential and he talks to us about that a lot. He also tells us how every game is different here because we're up against players with different attributes."
Gabriel was optimistic on the duo’s future as well, adding: “Thanks to god we have managed to win three games together and keep two clean sheets.
"It's only the beginning but I think we have the makings of a very good partnership, in terms of our attributes.
"Ben and I have each had a full season in the Premier League now and we're getting to know it much better. We still need to connect even more but we are improving and developing with every game and that bodes well for the rest of the season.
"We want to be a very intense and aggressive defence."
Arteta is relying on Arsenal’s young guns to come good this season, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka carrying the hopes of the club in the early stages of the campaign.
Meanwhile, whilst White had a rough start to life at Arsenal, coming up against an in-form Romelu Lukaku, he has looked good since and his ball carrying and progressive passing abilities could be a key asset for the Gunners.
Gabriel similarly is good with his feet, and dominant in the air, and together they add a new solidity to Arsenal’s back line.
