Arsenal’s defensive resilience has long been a quest for the club, particularly since the iconic partnership of Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure during the Invincibles era. Now, almost two decades later, former Arsenal stalwart Campbell believes that Mikel Arteta has unearthed a defensive duo capable of replicating the success of the past.
Campbell suggests that the current pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães stands out as Arsenal’s best defensive partnership since the days of the Invincibles. He emphasizes, “Right now, it is beautiful. They have been given time to build a relationship. They’re playing incredible football and they’re not mucking about. You can see the will in their eyes, the fire in their bellies.”
Drawing parallels to his partnership with Toure, Campbell highlights the importance of a mental connection between central defenders, one that transcends verbal communication. He lauds the openness and willingness to learn that defined his partnership with Toure, qualities he perceives in the developing bond between Saliba and Gabriel. “They have real confidence. Once you get it, never disrespect it.”
While acknowledging the need for time to solidify their partnership, Campbell expresses optimism about Arsenal’s defensive prospects with Saliba and Gabriel at the helm. The duo’s camaraderie on and off the pitch, combined with their improving understanding, presents a promising outlook for Arsenal’s defensive solidity.
Here is the highlight video of Saliba and Gabriel’s defensive skills.
William Saliba
William Saliba
This season he played in total 15 times for 1350 minutes for Premier League.
William Saliba scored 1 goal for Arsenal. He procured one assist. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Premier League. In the last match Arsenal won 4-3 against Luton Town. The next match in Premier League will be against Aston Villa.
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 1st in the Premier League with 36 points.
In the last 15 games, it has won 11 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Arsenal won 3-4 against Luton Town.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 33 goals and conceding 14.
Arsenal will play the next match in Premier League against Aston Villa on Saturday 9th of December in Birmingham. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães
This season he played in total 13 times for 1014 minutes for Premier League.
Gabriel Magalhães didn’t score any goal for Arsenal. He procured no assists. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Premier League. In the last match Arsenal won 4-3 against Luton Town. The next match in Premier League will be against Aston Villa.
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 1st in the Premier League with 36 points.
In the last 15 games, it has won 11 times, drawn 3 times, and lost once. In its last match, Arsenal won 3-4 against Luton Town.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 33 goals and conceding 14.
Arsenal will play the next match in Premier League against Aston Villa on Saturday 9th of December in Birmingham. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.
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