TNT Sports analyst Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel will be Manchester City’s main challengers in the title race. Liverpool also made a name for themselves by holding the reigning champions to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad last Saturday, but Ferdinand said the Gunners could provide a stronger defense after winning 1- 0 to Brentford.
Ultimately, the deciding factor is that you need reliable central defenders to win. That’s why I put Liverpool ahead of the title race and why they face City this year.” Arsenal currently have the best defensive record, conceding just 10 goals in 13 league games. Ferdinand commented in his comments : I see where you’re coming from. A closer look at the numbers shows that the xG performance of 12.71 also shows that the clean sheets are not down to luck. It also limits opponents’ opportunities to a lesser extent.
Ferdinand admires both Saliba and Gabriel, but it would be more appropriate to say that the Frenchman is their senior partner. With Saliba missing the final three months of the 2022/2023 season with a back problem, the Canores have struggled to keep clean sheets. Ensuring 22-year-old Saliba remains on the pitch is therefore vital for Mikel Arteta’s side to maintain their title challenge.
Arteta’s men face Luton Town in the league at Kenilworth Road before taking on Wolves at the Emirates next month. They will be hoping to get six points from these two games.Arsenal face tough fixtures before Christmas as they face Aston Villa (a), Brighton (h) and Liverpool (a).
