'Enjoyed the passion': Neil Warnock names the two Arsenal players who really intimidated Man City
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Arsenal and Manchester City played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday in a game that produced talking points aplenty.
Despite going down to ten men late in the first half due to Leandro Trossard’s red card, the Gunners fought valiantly and nearly grabbed all three points before John Stones struck a late equaliser in stoppage time.
Nevertheless, Arsenal can be proud of the fight and concentration they showed, particularly in the second half as faced a relentless Manchester City side that was in desperate need of a goal.
There were fantastic performances across the pitch, but Neil Warnock pinpointed two Arsenal players who really caught his eye at the Etihad Stadium.
Neil Warnock praises Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal have one of the best central defensive partnerships in world football and the duo were at it once again at the home of the champions.
While William Saliba’s calmness and poise were on display countless times at the back, Gabriel Magalhaes made it two goals from as many games as he gave Arsenal the lead after Riccardo Calafiori had canceled out Erling Haaland’s early goal.
Warnock feels Saliba and Gabriel’s passion added some spice to the game as he hailed the Arsenal duo for standing up to their Man City counterparts.
“I didn't enjoy watching the game as a football fan but from a tactical point of view, I thought it was brilliant,” said Warnock on talkSPORT.
“I loved that there was a little bit of passion from both sides because Arsenal have been a soft touch in recent years. But now, they've got the two centre-backs sorted out and I loved it.
“It just showed what it's going to be like, the pair of them. I liked that bit of fire. Some of what they did was probably just legal, but the intimidation from the centre-backs was superb. I just enjoyed the passion."
Arsenal blessed to have both Saliba and Gabriel
Arsenal conceded just 29 goals in the Premier League last season and have already recorded three shutouts this time around, thanks in no small part to the pair.
Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League, adding that the two central defenders complement each other so well.
Harry Redknapp, on the other hand, feels Gabriel and Saliba still aren’t good enough to be compared to Arsenal legends like Tony Adams and Martin Keown, which is a fair assessment considering they’ve only played together for two seasons.
One thing is for sure – the pair are up there with the best in the business and will play big roles for the club this season as they aim to beat Man City to the Premier League title.
