Arsenal’s win against Manchester United was by no means mesmeric, but three points were returned to N5.
Before the game, the idea of a win and a clean sheet at Old Trafford would’ve been welcomed with open arms.
Arsenal’s performance against Man United was very poor, so much so that many struggled to digest that the game was actually won.
The hosts deserved more, but Mikel Arteta’s squad ensured the game was seen out, something that two players in particular deserve immense credit for.
- READ MORE: Arsenal fans are in complete agreement after Noni Madueke’s display against Manchester United
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes earn rave reviews for Man United performance
William Saliba started poorly against United, but fortunately, the Frenchman’s series of shortcomings didn’t amount to a goal conceded.
As the game developed, Arsenal’s central defensive partnership got more and more of a grasp on proceedings, earning high praise.
After the victory, pundits Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe dubbed Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba’s partnership as ‘the best’ in the Premier League, via The 2 Robbies podcast.
“I thought Arsenal’s defending was excellent. I thought Saliba and Gabriel…probably the best partnership,” Earle said before Mustoe butted in to say, “They are the best.”
There are few central defensive duos as well-oiled as Saliba and Gabriel, and Arsenal know it, understanding they can rely on the pair to snuff out danger.
The performance was all the more remarkable when considering that Gabriel missed a huge chunk of pre-season, recovering from the hamstring surgery he underwent in April.
In his first Premier League start since the first of April, the Brazilian was an immovable force, bringing the best out of those around him.
How Saliba and Gabriel kept Man United at bay
Gabriel is a leader in the Arsenal squad, not necessarily by how he communicates, but by how he conducts himself in play.
The same goes for Saliba, whose nonchalant aura is complemented by his counterpart’s no-nonsense approach.
| Statistic | Gabriel | Saliba | Combined |
| Clearances | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Tackles | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Ground duels won | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Aerial duels won | 3 | 3 | 6 |
The pair are so good for Arsenal, as was seen at Old Trafford, as they combined to keep United’s threat in control.
United had chances to score, but time after time, it was Gabriel and Saliba who had the last laugh, whether it was through clearances, blocks or duel-winning.
Arteta will be so delighted that his two star defenders are committed to the club, with their efforts needing to be crowned with silverware.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
