Mikel Arteta has reassured fans that Gabriel and William Saliba, his centre-backs, have a strong partnership, despite their animated exchange following Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Leicester City.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended the relationship between his centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba, following their passionate exchange after the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Leicester City.
Although the North London side maintained their title charge with the victory, the two defenders appeared visibly unhappy despite keeping a clean sheet. Some fans interpreted their conversation as a heated discussion, with both players gesticulating wildly and Saliba pushing Gabriel in the chest.
However, Arteta has brushed off concerns and made light of the situation in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s match against Everton on Wednesday. The Spaniard joked, “They are a happy marriage, they love playing with each other. But they are really demanding with each other which is good! Everything is fine.”
The exchange between Gabriel and Saliba has raised questions about their partnership at the back, but Arteta’s comments suggest that the incident was nothing more than a minor disagreement between two passionate players.
Arsenal fans will be hoping that the duo can put any differences aside and continue to perform at their best as the team looks to maintain its push for silverware this season.