Arsenal
Paul Merson has picked out two players who could decide the Premier League title race this season.
The drab 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday handed Liverpool a two-point lead over the Gunners at the top of the table after their 2-1 win over Brighton earlier in the day.
With just three points separating the top three it’s all to play for with nine games to go, and Merson has explained why he believes the Arsenal centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes may give Mikel Arteta’s side the edge.
“You’d have to say William Saliba and Gabriel are the best center-back pairing in the league,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“They are so consistent and that is helped by the fact they consistently play together. Look at Manchester City, their two center-backs change around a lot.
“It’s changed a lot for Liverpool in recent times too. How many times has Rúben Dias’ partner changed at City? It’s the same as Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool. But at Arsenal, Saliba looks left and he sees Gabriel, and Gabriel looks right and sees Saliba week in, week out. That really helps defenders.
“What also helps them is the protection they get from midfield. Whether it is Declan Rice or Jorginho, or both, they are two midfielders that are very disciplined and good at what they do. They don’t just run around all over the pitch, they play the position very well just like Rodri does at City.
“A word too for the likes of Jakub Kiwior and Ben White, and goalkeeper David Raya, who took a while to settle after his move from Brentford but has been outstanding in recent months. They are extremely solid.”
Merson went on to suggest these players could also be the difference makers in Europe, after tipping his former side to secure their
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