'All day long': Jermaine Pennant says which Arsenal defender he'd rather play against - Saliba or Gabriel

09/16/2024 03:45 PM

Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are two of the best around right now but Jermaine Pennant has said that one just outdoes the other.

Saliba and Gabriel have been responsible for Arsenal being so good at the back and they were the best defence in Europe last season.

This weekend, the duo helped Arsenal to another clean-sheet against Tottenham, with Gabriel also getting the crucial goal.

• READ MORE: Gary Neville angered by what he saw William Saliba do in 16th minute of Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal

Of course, both players are looking on top of their games right now and there’s even talk of Real Madrid being keen on Saliba right now.

Quite who the best of the pair is, is open to argument. But according to Jermaine Pennant, there’s only one winner.

William Saliba better than Gabriel at Arsenal

Speaking on TalkSPORT about the Arsenal duo, Pennant was complimentary about both.

But when push comes to shove, there’s only one winner out of the pair, and that’s Saliba.

"Saliba is better on the ball. When you watch Arsenal play, he's the one who's kind of dictating the play. Gabriel can also do that, but Saliba is a lot better,” Pennant said.

“Saliba is a better one-on-one defender.

“If you are going to go up against anyone, you would rather Gabriel all day long, but what they both balance each other is that when it gets into the box, they are both just as good, as in, getting that block in, stopping the shots going, being there in the right time, being a nuisance."

Gabriel and Saliba both get praise

Yesterday’s win at Tottenham was a prime example of just how good Saliba and Gabriel are and both were praised after the game.

Ian Wright was one of those to be impressed by Gabriel, while Vinicius Junior was also on social media loving the Brazilian’s performance.

READ MORE: Arsenal have begun contract talks with £27m star after interest from Paris Saint-Germain

Meanwhile, Saliba was lauded by Matt Upson for his contribution in the win as he once again showed his class.

All in all, it doesn’t really matter who is the best of the bunch if you are an Arsenal fan.

As long as these two keep playing as they are, then Arsenal won’t be far off the title.