Gabriel and William Saliba have formed the Thames Barrier, writes MARTIN KEOWN… They possess the same ‘over our dead bodies’ attitude that the great Arsenal defences I played in had
- Arsenal are by far the most effective team in the Premier League from set pieces
- Setpiece coach Nicolas Jover has received rave reviews for his work with the team
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When it comes to set pieces, Arsenal are streets ahead of the rest of Europe.
In the past, teams that played beautiful football, as Arsenal do now, were not so concerned about set plays. But Mikel Arteta’s side are proud of it.
Looking at the combination of William Saliba and Gabriel, it was much easier to spot Saliba at first. But after the big goals he has scored recently, we see Gabriel getting some credit for what he has brought to this Arsenal team.
This is a man, remember, who didn’t start last season as Arteta’s first-choice partner for Saliba. But since then he seems to have sharpened his mind and now plays every match as if it were his last. He helps Arsenal put teams to sleep after set pieces. They treat each of them like a reconnaissance mission.
Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has drilled these players to within an inch of their lives. Each player knows exactly what their role is, and they have reaped huge rewards for that over the past two seasons.
Arsenal’s centre-backs Gabriel (left) and William Saliba (right) pose a threat at both ends of the pitch
The Gunners coach Nicolas Jover has attracted admirers for his systems that baffled Premier League defenses
The Gunners used their wizardry to great effect in last month’s North London derby win
It’s like they’re pulling a curtain over the opponent’s goalkeeper’s face so they can’t see the ball.
Any deflection and it’s a goal, just as it was in Arsenal’s second match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Delivery is key and in Bukayo Saka Arsenal have a taker who is always after the money. Gabriel is then given the license to attack the space his teammates have created for him.
He is a magnet for the ball and that is a brilliant quality. An extra string to his bow for someone who I think is already the club’s best one-on-one defender.
Together with Saliba they formed the Thames Barrier for goalkeeper David Raya. They possess the same ‘over our dead bodies’ attitude that the great Arsenal defenses I played in had, and so do full-backs Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White.
Keown played alongside great defenders during his time in North London with the Gunners
Keown is a three-time Premier League winner with Arsenal. He also won the FA Cup four times
They all seem to have a lot of fun blocking shots and keeping clean sheets.
Gabriel will face teams tightening up his threat from corners and trying to find a solution to stop him. But for now, the big Brazilian is enjoying his work on both sides of the pitch.
