The Gunners suffered successive 2-1 defeats to Everton and Manchester City last week as they slipped nine points off league leaders Chelsea just eight days after they had been topping the table.
Arsene Wenger’s side now face a run of festive fixtures that, whilst theoretically holding no challenge beyond them, provides no margin for error as they look to keep Antonio Conte’s leaders within reach. Arsenal are next in action at home to West Brom on Boxing Day followed by a home tie with Crystal Palace and trip to Bournemouth early in the New Year.
For Gabriel, who arrived from Villarreal in January 2015, the intensity of the Christmas schedule is still something of a surprise but he has no intention of slowing down as he steps into the side to cover for the injured Shkodran Mustafi.
“When I moved to Europe, I already knew that England was the only country where you keep playing during the festive period,” Gabriel told Arsenal Player.
“When I played in Spain, I got a few days off to enjoy with my family. But not here. There's no pause, it's all about working.
“We players can't think about partying, we only focus on our job. We are focused on what we have to do…”
Arsenal at La Soiree - In pictures
“Brazilians are used to celebrating the festive season, it is strange,” he added. “It feels a bit strange to be playing on Christmas Day or on New Year's Day.
“It's indeed unusual for us. But I've already put this new reality in my head and I'm focused on my job. Let's leave the party for later.”
Though Arsenal may be postponing their plans for a Christmas party several first-teamers enjoyed a night out in London’s West End in between last week’s games, taking in a production of cabaret show La Soiree.
