Almost two weeks in the past, Arsenal’s hopes of profitable the Premier League appeared to have been thwarted.
The Gunners have been, and stay, the workforce to beat in England’s prime flight this time period. Nonetheless, issues appeared fairly grim for Mikel Arteta’s facet after they drew 1-1 with Brentford after which surrendered a two-goal benefit over Wolves to drop factors at Molineux.
However they bounced again admirably, beating Spurs eight days in the past and Chelsea on Sunday in fairly ugly style.
Their title bid could also be again on observe, however the season is at a crucial juncture they usually want extra work from their senior gamers, who’re beginning to make some errors.
Is Declan Rice operating out of gasoline?
One of many largest strengths of this Arsenal workforce is the workforce’s consistency. This is among the predominant the explanation why they’ve been in a position to tackle Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool so properly over the previous three seasons, regardless of not profitable the largest prize.
They presently have arguably the most effective protection in Europe, however the cracks of their armor are beginning to present. They’ve saved simply two clear sheets of their final six video games.
The worst second of the season was the 2-2 draw with Wolves, when two of the workforce’s most constant gamers, Gabriel Magalhães and David Raya, made deadly errors. Each gamers competed for the ball, and possession fell to Wolves.
Declan Rice, the membership’s document signing, has additionally been off a little bit of kind just lately. The midfielder has been in pole place for a lot of the season and gained the PFA Participant of the Season award, however his efficiency final week left one thing to be desired.
The richest contract in Arsenal’s historical past
The Gunners have spent generously in recent times.
Actually, Randall Kolo Muani’s equalizing objective towards Spurs was a midfielder’s mistake. He was in all probability fortunate that he did not give away a penalty towards Chelsea when the ball hit him within the arm from a nook. Fortunately for the Gunners, that wasn’t given.
This is not the one troubling second for Rice just lately. He offered the help for Julian Timber’s profitable objective on Sunday, however his passing was extra erratic than standard towards the Blues, with one notable second when he handed the ball instantly into the nook from exterior the play as he tried to search out Raya.
Rice wasn’t horrible towards Chelsea both, however let’s set the document straight on that. He wasn’t poor in any respect. However the England star is often so spectacular that it is apparent when he is not at his finest.
Arsenal star outclasses Rice
The midfielder might win the Participant of the 12 months award even when Arsenal emerge victorious of their pursuit of Premier League glory. However for now, he is narrowly crushed by a few of his teammates.
Actually, Eberechi Eze and Victor Gokeres had been the heroes towards Spurs only a week in the past, combining effortlessly to attain two objectives every within the 4-1 thrashing.
In the meantime, it was Timber and William Saliba who got here to the rescue in final weekend’s recreation towards Chelsea. Saliba, specifically, has been strong in current weeks, firmly reminding everybody why he is among the finest defenders in world soccer.
When Saliba first joined the Arsenal workforce, he appeared like a Rolls Royce. The Frenchman is the epitome of calm, however has undoubtedly been overshadowed by Gabriel all through the previous couple of seasons.
Collectively they kind the most effective defensive partnership within the nation, and maybe in Europe, however it’s the louder, extra abusive Gabriel who has garnered essentially the most reward.
The Brazilian has been a monster with three objectives and 4 assists in all competitions this season. However, as he confirmed towards Chelsea, it is solely pure that Saliba ought to be given flowers as properly.
The £27m France worldwide hasn’t scored a objective this season however featured in key moments towards Liam Rosenior’s facet. Often Gabriel was nonetheless concerned. The large centre-back rose highest close to the again submit, headed the ball into the trail of his defensive colleague and deflected it into the online from shut vary.
2025/26 Saliba vs Gabriel | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90 minutes) | throughout | Gabriel |
the objective | 0.1 | 0.2 |
Go accuracy | 92.57% | 89.33% |
ahead go | 20.3 | 18.6 |
sort out | 1.2 | 1.4 |
Profitable aerial duel | 52.94% | 64.71% |
Profitable floor duel | 59.46% | 74.65% |
gained a duel | 4.5 | 5.9 |
intercept | 0.6 | 0.9 |
It is not simply the defenders’ efforts within the ultimate third that ought to be praised. He was given the reins by Cole Palmer and did an exceptional job on the again.
Within the early exchanges, Arsenal appeared fairly confused by Chelsea’s tactical plans. Palmer appeared on the workforce sheet as a right-winger, however was primarily given a free position to play wherever he needed.
Nonetheless, it was Saliba who negated that risk, often getting into the midfield to chase down the away workforce’s key gamers. It had the nice impact of stopping the 24-year-old Palmer from making any key passes or profitable dribbles.
His significance to the workforce can’t be underestimated, with some prior curiosity from Actual Madrid and him being valued at £100m. That price ticket means he’s presently essentially the most helpful participant on the workforce. Sure, he is extra helpful than Gabriel, extra helpful than Rice, extra helpful than star boy Bukayo Saka.
Actually, Saka is presently valued at £90m, whereas Rice is valued at £94m, in line with Soccer Transfers’ anticipated switch mannequin.
The truth that Saliba’s worth has elevated additional speaks volumes about how good he has been since first arriving underneath Edu’s administration in July 2019.
Higher than Gabriel and Rice: £27m Arsenal star now the most effective on the planet
Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday and signed him for £27m as a thanks.
