Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: Reliable Pablo Mari offers Gabriel strong competition

By Ross Kennerley

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Pablo Mari of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 06, 2021 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Pablo Mari of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 06, 2021 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Gabriel
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 2, 2021 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images) /

Pablo Mari or Gabriel for Arsenal?

What’s important to remember is that Arteta has his squad for a reason. He is firmly of the Pep Guardiola ilk in selecting his team based not on who is necessarily the best in the position but instead who is best suited to the occasion.

Nicolas Pepe was left on the bench against Burnley because Arteta felt there wouldn’t be enough space in behind the Clarets’ back four for the Ivorian to exploit. If it’s a straight choice between Willian and Pepe for who will offer more and is in better form, Pepe wins. Profile over quality.

A similar situation has arisen at centre-back, just as it did at right-back with Calum Chambers getting the nod on Saturday for his height.

Knowing his side are guilty of stupidity in their own box, Mari being chosen owes partly to his reliability: he won’t take as many risks with his distribution, he won’t regularly charge to press an opponent and he isn’t someone to carry the ball and try to bypass the first line of opposition defence.

Gabriel is the more adventurous option. He will do all of the above and run the risk of an error in tandem. For certain fixtures that will be essential. For Burnley, Arsenal were always going to have the lion’s share of possession and running a tight ship at the back increased their platform to win.

As with the Pepe and Willian situation, if the decision came down to talent and ability alone, Gabriel plays each week. In only his first season he has shone in the role, demonstrating all the qualities one could possibly request, but most importantly, showing improvements in those facets and learning with each week.

Mari is providing stern competition in an area of the pitch that is no longer a concern. Left centre-back has two strong options and the pair are bringing the best out of each other. This kind of luxury would be welcome all over the pitch.

dark. Next. Capitalising on dominance

Who is more deserving of starting is a debate that’s been ongoing for a number weeks and it’s the only one where either party would be satisfied if their choice wasn’t picked. Arsenal haven’t had that for a while. Something to savour when most else is sour.

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