Arsenal capped off their pre-season with a 2-0 win over Lyon at the Emirates – with both goals coming from centre-backs by way of set-pieces.
The Gunners’ defence was undoubtedly one of their strongest assets throughout the 2023/24 campaign. William Saliba and Gabriel received praise for their inpenetrable defensive relationship, commanding the backline whilst also contributing in attack.
It seems heading into the new season – Arsenal will once again rely on this duo.
Saliba and Gabriel were instrumental during the Gunners’ victory over Lyon on Sunday. The Frenchman was the first to carve his name onto the scoresheet, nodding the ball into the back of the net after a superb cross from Declan Rice.
Rice was quick to assist the next goal, again from the corner, but this time it found Gabriel, who made light work of finishing the chance. The defenders fired Arsenal into the lead and highlighted a technique that the team will look to use throughout the 2024/25 season – scoring from set-pieces.
They can thank coach Nicolas Jover for their success in set-pieces. Whenever the players arrive near the penalty area to attempt a shot on goal, he’s there, on the touchline. It may be a case of it isn’t broken then don’t fix it – but Arsenal know they can score in this way, and they will continue to try.
Add in 6’2″ Riccardo Calafiori into that mix and soon Arsenal will be scoring more goals from set-pieces than they can imagine. The Italian arrived at the Emirates this summer for a fee of up to £42m. His signing raised questions for some – who thought that Arsenal already had a pretty perfect backline, but Calafiori’s presence will add even more to Mikel Arteta’s defence.
The former Bologna star made his long-awaited debut during Arsenal’s victory over Lyon – coming on in the 64th minute to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko. He received a huge applause as he was welcomed onto the pitch – with fans keen to see what the exciting signing could do.
He slotted into the left centre-back role shortly after coming on at left-back, looking calm and composed while playing alongside his teammates.
Arsenal’s defenders could once again steal the show this season, with Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori potentially at the heart of everything that’s good at the Emirates.
They kick off their 2024/25 campaign by hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers on 17…
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