Pundit claims two stars make Arsenal have something that’s ‘the best’ in the PL

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Arsenal have been outstanding defensively this season, and centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have both been crucial.

The two defenders have formed an excellent pairing at the back, and statistically Arsenal now have the best defence in the Premier League.

Saliba has been exceptional since he joined the squad at the start of last season, and Arsenal saw their title challenge collapse when he picked up a long-term injury in March.

Gabriel also deserves praise for his performances, and has now established himself as a starter for the Brazil National team.

Saliba and Gabriel earn praise from Agbonlahor

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor praised both defenders, claiming that they had formed the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League.

“What I love about Arsenal is their two centre-halves now. Like Saliba and Gabriel, they’re probably the best partnership in the Premier League for me,” he stated.

“They’re quick, strong, I would have hated to play against them.”

What makes Saliba and Gabriel so special?

Arsenal fans suffered for years watching poor defenders struggle even when attacks were thriving under Arsene Wenger, but it is a completely different story when it comes to Saliba and Gabriel.

They are almost the perfect pairing when it comes to the different qualities they bring. Whilst Gabriel himself is good on the ball, Saliba’s passing ability and composure at the back is game-changing for Arsenal, and he is the perfect partner alongside Gabriel’s more aggressive style of play.

The pair have been instrumental in helping Arsenal keep clean sheets, and they are particularly important in away games as they nullify the opposition’s attack with their combination of size, speed and strength.

Whilst Manchester City and Liverpool have John Stones and Virgil van Dijk who may arguably possess more individual brilliance between them, as a partnership Saliba and Gabriel are unmatched by anyone else in the Premier League, and Arsenal’s ability to keep clean sheets in away games is second to none now.

With Declan Rice at the base of midfield ahead of this partnership, Arsenal have become a tough wall to break down, conceding just twice from open play on the road this season, and they have been the most important factor in sending Arsenal top of the Premier League and to the Champions League knockout stages.