Arsenal goalscorer Gabriel Magalhaes was withdrawn early in Saturday’s win over Southampton, and Mikel Arteta has explained why.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Ben White, Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Ben White, Alexandre Lacazette, and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side’s third goal against Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021. (Photo by Justin Setterfield / Getty Images)

Gabriel Magalhaes has been one of Arsenal’s few consistently strong performers this season, and Saturday’s match against Southampton was no exception.

The centre-back picked up a yellow card in the first three minutes, but he was his usual self after that, proving a formidable opponent to the Saints’ forwards.

In the second half, Gabriel suddenly found himself becoming the team’s biggest goal threat. He had one goal ruled out for offside, scored another with a towering header from a corner, and even connected well with a bicycle kick.

Then he was taken off in the 69th minute, raising some fears he might have an injury. Fortunately, Mikel Arteta allayed those concerns in his post-match interview.

“He had a booking so I decided to take him off,” Arteta explained, confirming there was no injury.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Gabriel Martinelli celebrates with teammates Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Martinelli celebrates with teammates Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

That was a smart decision, considering Arsenal have a big game against West Ham coming up on Wednesday.

The Gunners won 2-1 against West Ham with Gabriel in the team last season, and they drew 3-3 without him, so they’ll want him available.

Michail Antonio is one of the form strikers in the league right now, so Arteta’s side can’t go into the game with a handicap.