Mikel Arteta has hinted on BT Sport that Rob Holding and Pablo Mari are going to play together more often for Arsenal.
Holding and Mari have partnered each other in defence in Arsenal’s last two matches.
They have now helped the Gunners to clean sheets against Sheffield United and, most recently, Slavia Prague.
Holding and Mari’s partnership has looked very solid – and Arteta hinted after the game that the pair had now become his first choice pairing at the back.
“Partnerships are really important,” he said when asked about his central defensive duo.
“We haven’t been able to repeat or have any sort of consistency in our back four because of the issues and problems we’ve had throughout the year.
“If we can repeat that obviously the team will feel more comfortable, the communication will be better and the cohesion of the back four and the team will be better, I think.”
If Holding and Mari are the favoured pairing between now and the end of the season that could may that Gabriel and David Luiz miss out.
Martin Keown stated on BT how he felt that Gabriel was Arsenal’s best defender last night, but his form has dipped slightly after a roaring start at the club.
Luiz, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium – with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Arsenal’s next game comes against Fulham at the weekend, when Arteta may have another chance to see his first choice defence in action.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
