Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are the perfect partnership at Arsenal.
There are few defensive combinations as strong as Arsenal’s centre-back duo, who are incredibly difficult to beat.
Saliba and Gabriel have been described as the best central defensive duo in the Premier League, with an argument to be had over whether they are the world’s best at present.
Arsenal’s defensive record is no fluke, possessing a back line brimming with depth and quality, as well as some efficient tactics.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba’s secret celebration tactic
Gabriel is in unstoppable form, not just defensively but in the final third too.
Whether it’s duel-winning, maintaining clean sheets or scoring goals, Gabriel celebrates all the same.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the centre-back lifted the lid on why he and Saliba celebrate so outwardly on the pitch.
“When Saliba or whoever does one tackle, we want to celebrate together because the opponent needs to feel they are here,” Gabriel revealed.
“So yeah, that’s why we do it, we’re doing this because we work a lot and we want to celebrate every action.”
Gabriel and Saliba not only celebrate because of their passion for the team to succeed, but also to intimidate the opposition.
It’s a smart tactic and one that Arsenal fans would love to see continue for years to come.
Saliba and Gabriel’s goals conceded average is incredible
Having both committed their long-term futures to the club, Gabriel and Saliba have their eyes on winning trophies at Arsenal.
The pair are not only incredible individuals, but come together to form a partnership that few teams get the better of.
MatchesGoals concededPer game averagePoints per game average1251150.922.14Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba’s record at Arsenal – correct as of 25/10/2025
The numbers only reinforce such, as in their 125 matches together over the years at Arsenal, Saliba and Gabriel have maintained a goals-conceded per game average of just 0.92.
That’s less than a goal conceded per game average in all competitions for Arsenal, which says all that needs to be known.
The two players’ in-game tactics contribute to their form, with the reason behind their elaborate celebrations now clear.
