Gary O’Neil has named two Arsenal players who have really impressed him with their physicality after Wolves were beaten by the Gunners at Molineux on Saturday.
Arsenal got their Premier League title push back on track this weekend. The Gunners have the opportunity to go four points clear before Manchester City play again in the league.
And they are off to a good start. Goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard at the end of each half saw Arsenal secure the three points against Wolves.
It almost goes under the radar at this stage that Arsenal have recorded yet another clean sheet on the road.
The January transfer window was still open the last time David Raya had to pick the ball out of his net in an away league game.
Gary O’Neil praises Arsenal pair after win at Wolves
Raya has been excellent. But Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have formed arguably the best centre-back partnership in the division.
And speaking to Sky Sports after the game (broadcast on 20/4 from 19:00), Gary O’Neil praised the two Arsenal centre-backs.
“Although we were missing key players we had some energy across the pitch and we tried to use that to our advantage,” he said.
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“We had a couple of good moments but if you look at the stats you see how good they defend.
“Gabriel and Saliba are really good and very physical. We got in some good crossing areas and almost went 1-0 ahead when we hit the post but they are a difficult team to play when you have no attackers. We tried to use our pressing.”
Not enough made of one statistic concerning Gabriel and William Saliba
It is remarkable that Arsenal have conceded one league goal on their travels in 2024. That will give them plenty of reason for optimism heading into their final two away games, which could be tricky on paper.
Saliba has been outstanding since getting his chance in the Arsenal side from the beginning of last season. And it feels that Gabriel is now getting the full credit that he deserves.
It is often forgotten just how young this Arsenal side remains. Gabriel, at 26, is one of the most experienced members of the group, particularly at the back.
It is too soon to know how important the three points will be in this season. But Arsenal have put the pressure back on Manchester City.
And if they beat Chelsea, then they have given themselves a phenomenal chance.