Mikel Arteta has described Arsenal’s centre-back pairing of Gabriel Maghalaes and Ezri Konsa as the best in the world ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. The Arsenal manager echoed Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner’s praise after the Gunners’ 1-0 win at the City Ground, where the defensive duo frustrated Forest’s attacking threats.
Konsa joined Arsenal from Aston Villa this summer and has quickly established a strong partnership with Gabriel, especially with William Saliba sidelined due to a back injury. Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in seven Premier League matches this season, a defensive solidity that owes much to the understanding between the two defenders.
Arteta spoke about the partnership during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, calling their understanding “remarkable” considering how recently Konsa arrived. “That’s a great opinion! For me, my players are the best in the world, and I think the partnership that they have developed in such a short period of time is remarkable,” he said. He also credited the wider team but singled out both players for their “exceptional” performances in critical moments against Forest.
Arsenal will face a significant challenge tonight in Munich against Bayern, who have been one of Europe’s most consistent sides in recent years. Bayern’s attack will be led by Harry Kane, who is among the frontrunners for this year’s Ballon d’Or after scoring 61 goals last season. Arteta acknowledged Kane’s quality while expressing confidence in his defenders. “Well they get tested a lot in the Premier League certainly, and they have already done in the Champions League. But I think what Harry’s doing, and has done in the last few years, is just something else, another level. That’s what we have to face tomorrow.”
The Gunners’ defensive pairing has been tested in England’s top flight and European competition already this season, but Kane presents a different level of challenge. Gabriel and Konsa’s ability to maintain composure and organisation under such pressure will be crucial as Arsenal look to secure a positive result against the German champions.
Arteta’s public endorsement of Gabriel and Konsa follows their impressive start together and puts the spotlight on Arsenal’s defensive line as they prepare for one of their toughest matches of the season. With Saliba still out, the onus falls on this new centre-back partnership to keep Bayern’s prolific attack at bay in Munich.
According to Yahoo Sports.
