Arsenal’s defense has had its challenges this season, but two players have emerged as standout performers. Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal may have found a new Martin Keown as they strive for Premier League glory. After narrowly missing out on the title in the past two seasons, many have speculated about the reasons behind their near-misses.
Last season, critics pointed to a lack of depth in attack, but Mikel Arteta’s squad scored only five goals fewer than champions Manchester City. The previous season, they conceded 10 more goals than their title rivals, but last year, they improved defensively, allowing just 29 goals in 38 matches. A significant factor in this was the partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, which grew stronger throughout the season.
Both players have continued to impress, particularly in last weekend’s North London derby victory over Tottenham. When asked about their performances, Ferdinand said on his podcast, “Yes, I definitely think they’re one of the best pairings in the world. They’ve shown that over the last couple of seasons.
“They’re resolute and adaptable. There’s a great balance: Saliba is calm and tends to cover, while Gabriel plays with an aggressive edge, reminiscent of Martin Keown. They complement each other perfectly.”
### Facing Manchester City
Despite Arsenal’s defensive struggles this season, having conceded six goals in five games, there’s a sense that Saliba and Gabriel have been shielding the midfield more than the stats indicate. They will face a new challenge on Sunday against Erling Haaland and Manchester City’s formidable attack.
When asked if his defense is prepared for City’s prolific forwards, Arteta replied on Thursday, “They’re in excellent form and have been consistently strong together for the past two seasons. Their chemistry is remarkable. Both have been exceptional.
“With Haaland’s goal-scoring record, he’s clearly a key threat. We always analyze individual strengths and plan on how to neutralize them. Stopping him from scoring is crucial.”
