William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães were once again outstanding in Arsenal’s defence as the Gunners played out a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
Saliba is consistently reliable, but in recent weeks, Gabriel has emerged as arguably Arsenal’s most important player.
The Brazilian defender not only handled his duties against Erling Haaland but also scored what could have been the winning goal for Mikel Arteta’s side.
In the second half, Arsenal adopted an ultra-defensive approach, and both centre-backs were crucial in ensuring City struggled to find an equalizer.
It was a performance that fans will remember for a long time, and Micah Richards has once again praised their contributions.
The former defender said on Sky Sports:
“Gabriel and Saliba were unbelievable. To defend like that for 45 minutes in the second half against the best team in the league is remarkable.
“When Gabriel came to Arsenal he was making a few mistakes, but he has changed his game to be reliable.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Saliba and Gabriel have formed a good partnership in our defence and if both of them stay fit, we can be champions of England at the end of this season.
But our other players also have to deliver fine performances for the team, otherwise, we will struggle to get positive results.
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It’s a lot easier to defend deep ,as we had to do in the second half,than it is to defend from a high line.While I admire our centre backs, and indeed all our players for their backs to the wall efforts, I feel we are in danger of going over the top in our assessment of Saliba and Gabriel.They are doing well together but they were caught out in goals scored by Villa and City when one or the other ought to have dropped off a hard or two.With Haarlands pace neither Saliba nor Gabriel can live with him in a short sprint from level starting blocks.To be fair, the odd mistake is bound to happen, and with margins so fine there will be days when these slips will prove costly.