David Seaman has praised the partnerships that are forming at Arsenal following their crucial 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, as he told Super Matchday on Sky Sports.
The former goalkeeper praised the centre-back duo for performing ‘very well’ and included that Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are also ‘performing well’.
Over the weekend, those four players were in action at Villa Park as the Gunners secured three more points in their quest to reach the Champions League.
Both Gabriel and Ben White, the latter especially, were questioned at the start of the season.
But those critics are now eating humble pie because the duo have perhaps been one of the best CB pairings in the Premier League this season.
Nonetheless, Seaman made it clear that Arsenal’s fight isn’t with the likes of Liverpool, although, they are ‘getting closer’.
“The Villa result was so big because it came off the back of the Liverpool defeat,” said Seaman. “Everybody was saying this is a gauge of ‘where are they? Can they still compete with the big boys?’
“No, Liverpool and Manchester City are way ahead still. We all know that. But it’s getting closer. That’s what Arsenal need to look at. They need to keep improving.
“There are great partnerships happening all over the pitch. You look at the two central defenders, they are doing very well. Xhaka and Partey are performing well.
“It’s great to see that these partnerships are developing and it benefits the team.”
It’s all in Arsenal’s hand and their two games against Tottenham and Manchester United might just make or break them.
If they lose both encounters then Mikel Arteta’s side might just crumble towards the Europa League.
Even though it would be seen as progression on last season, it will be interesting to see how fans react if the situation occurs.
But, from the positive side, if they can secure fourth, then this young, vibrant and ever-progressing Arsenal side is going places.
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