Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal duo looked more nervous than he’s ever seen before vs Bayern

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Coming into the game, the combination of William Saliba and Gabriel had helped Arsenal keep eight clean sheets in the last 13 games in all competitions – but on Tuesday night, they really struggled.

In that run of 13 games, Arsenal had won 11 – losing only to Porto, a tie which they overturned at home, and a 0-0 draw with Man City. Just five goals conceded. Gabriel and Saliba have been utterly superb.

Against Erling Haaland, they were exceptional – keeping City’s superstar striker at bay. But on Tuesday, they took on a different animal. A more rounded striker in Harry Kane, and they were way below par.

Indeed, Gabriel could have conceded a penalty for a handball – luckily escaping the concession of a spot kick, which left Thomas Tuchel frothing at the mouth. Saliba conceded a penalty for a foul on Leroy Sane.

Arsenal’s Gabriel and William Saliba struggle against Harry Kane

Kane marshalled both centre-backs well, allowing more space for Bayern’s attacking stars like Sane, Serge Gnabry and more. Two goals conceded, the first time since the FA Cup loss to Man United in January.

While it is a draw and probably hands Bayern Munich a slight advantage going into the second leg, Arsenal are still well in the tie and have every chance of making the semi-finals. A fair result on the night.

But for Saliba and Gabriel, they will be disappointed with their efforts at keeping Kane quiet and ahead of next week’s second leg, have plenty to work on to get it right. Rio Ferdinand was unimpressed by them.

What Rio Ferdinand has said about nervous Gabriel and Saliba

Rio Ferdinand gave his verdict on the duo during his analysis on TNT Sports, and claims he has not seen the duo so nervous before at the back. He claims the quality of Kane had an effect on the Arsenal duo.

“I don’t know if it’s him [Kane] or his presence. That’s the most nervous or uncomfortable I have seen the two centre-halves. We talked them up before the game as being the best pairing in the Premier League.

“Today they looked uncomfortable. That’s largely down to him. They rattled Haaland but Martin [Keown] made a great point, he is inexperienced compared to Kane. A different player, causes different problems.”

A tough game awaits Saliba and Gabriel this weekend, as they come up against Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins. The duo need to get it right against another in-form striker to give them a bit of confidence.

Watkins is a bit like Kane in that he gets involved with play and transition before getting on the end of it himself. It is good practice ahead of a second duel with Kane on Wednesday night, at The Allianz Arena.