‘You can’t be the weak link’…Martin Keown claims £27m Arsenal man is actually trying to outdo his teammate

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Martin Keown has been speaking all things Arsenal ahead of their big game with Brentford this evening in the Premier League.

The former Gunners defender knows all about winning the Premier League title and is keen to see his old club finally get over the line under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are right in the mix this season thanks to some fine performances from a number of their key players. And while the attackers always get credit, Arsenal have also been superb defensively.

And speaking to AFTV about centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, Keown has suggested the duo are actually competing with each other.

Martin Keown on William Saliba and Gabriel

Speaking about how much he likes the pair, Keown suggested that there might be an element of competition going on as well.

“I like them because they’re contact defenders. I think they are strong, they’re mobile, quick, both of them. And I see a bit of a contest emerging. You can’t be the weak link. I think Gabriel is cashing in, so many goals from set pieces. Saliba is like the Rolls Royce but I think Gabriel has a lot to be proud of the way he’s playing. He’s shown some character to come back into the team and I’m really pleased to see him doing well. We have to keep him calm but he’s got to learn how good a player he is and I think he’s enjoying the pats on the back, I think it makes him a better player,” Keown said.

One of the league’s best

All the best teams have a solid foundation to build on in defence and Arsenal seem to have found theirs this season with Gabriel and Saliba.

Both defenders cost just £27m and when you look at it, in modern terms anyway, that is quite the bargain.

Keown’s point here is quite interesting as well. If Mikel Arteta has somehow got his players effectively trying to outdo one another all the time then it’s a masterstroke.

Saliba and Gabriel have been equally brilliant this season and if Arsenal get over the line, then it will be in large part down to those two.