Arsenal: 4 things to work on in training during international break

2. Ben White and Gabriel Bonding Closer as a Partnership

Following the events of the Brighton match it was the strength of the rearguard that was looked at most closely of all as a positive. Limp in attack and vacant in midfield, another battling and reassuring display for Gabriel and White stood out as the best aspect.

These two have conceded just once in the four league outings they’ve started alongside one another, forming a balanced partnership that complements each other’s strengths and limits any weaknesses.

To have built what they have already is surprising considering the communication issues White highlighted:

"“He doesn’t speak much English. I don’t speak Portuguese,” White explained during a livestream on Twitch. “There’s not much we can say to each other. “[But] we know what we have to do. We just click.”"

Neither are expected to learn a new language in just over a week. But even in the most recent international break where they and Aaron Ramsdale all spent valuable time together, huge strides were taken. That two-week spell was invaluable.

There is a strong bond between the defenders on the pitch and while World Cup qualifiers take place there is even more time for them to grow as a duo off the pitch. They needn’t be best friends, but finding effective ways to communicate and improve together is one key part of this period.

A solid, aggressive and dedicated platform is being built at the back and with every minute more it will continue to develop in a healthy and progressive way.

Continued…