Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Man United at Old Trafford was laden with outstanding individual performances. 

Thomas Partey continued to build on his impressive start to life in north London, and his partner-in-crime Mohamed Elneny vindicated Mikel Arteta's trust with an exuberant, all-action display in the middle of the park. 

Though United are suffering from an Old Trafford hoodoo this season, failing to win any of their opening four league fixtures at home, it still took every bit of Arsenal's resilience and impeccable organisation to see the job through. 

At the heart of it all was Gabriel, the 22-year-old central defender signed from LOSC Lille during the summer window. 

The Brazilian's eye-catching performances since arriving at the Emirates Stadium have already evoked a sense of intrigue, and fans will certainly be tipping him for a glowing future after watching him in action at the weekend.

His impeccable display against United rightly left the media purring.

Having been booked in the first-half, Gabriel endured a nervy moment when he fouled Mason Greenwood in the second period, but the typically card-happy Mike Dean kept the red card in his pocket on this occasion. 

Aside from that heart-in-mouth moment, though, Gabriel was an impassable colossus at the heart of defence. 

Gabriel

The timing of his challenges was immaculate and his composure in possession palpable. It was a big-game performance befitting of a passionate, reliable defensive leader.

Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Sol Campbell all fitted that description during their spells at Arsenal, but there has been an absence of comparably first-class defenders since the latter left the club in 2006.

Perhaps Gabriel can provide the Gunners with the elusive backbone they need to re-establish themselves as a Premier League title contender. 

During the course of the proceedings, the 6ft 3in talent won six duels, completed a whopping five tackles, four clearances, one interception and one last-man challenge, per SofaScore.

Gabriel

A pass percentage of 92%, meanwhile, underlines how trustworthy he was in possession of the ball. 

It was the type of performance that deserves an individual highlights reel, and the video below showcases some of the defender's most impressive moments. 

And his performance earned him esteemed praise from Jamie Redknapp.

"He’s a leader and the way that he wants to play, and to press high up the pitch, he loves to do that," Redknapp said on Sky Sports (via football.london).

"He loves to win challenges, he got booked early in the game, but I think he still kept his composure, made good tackles and I like the way that he’s aggressive.

"He wants to win the ball, he’s composed as well.

"He looks like the real deal."

Given the quality of his statistical output and the conviction of his display, Redknapp's verdict is absolutely spot on.

The early stages of Gabriel's time at Arsenal suggest he's got the repertoire to flourish in the Premier League and, at just £27m, he already looks destined to be one of the signings of the season.

Credit to the Arsenal scouts and recruitment team for identifying this exciting, up-and-coming talent.