Arsenal have the depth to deal with Gabriel’s injury setback, says Philippe Senderos

As Arsenal lead the Premier League, a key strength for them has been their defence. The Gunners have only conceded five goals from 11 games. Their defensive unit, spearheaded by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, is being tipped to come close to breaking Chelsea’s record of least goals conceded (15) in a Premier League season. However, they currently face their toughest test of the season as Gabriel is likely to be out for a couple of weeks due to a muscle injury.

Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos praised the Gunners’ commitment to defending and explained why he feels they have the depth to deal with Gabriel’s injury.

Arsenal defend as a team, and their defensive depth is incredible

Senderos complimented Arsenal’s defensive mindset, remarking that even attacking players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard run back to help defend in numbers. The former Swiss international believes that’s the key to Arsenal’s impressive defensive numbers, and Mikel Arteta must be pleased as a manager to see that.

“Of course, you need to have people who want to and have the mindset of defending. But defending is a team effort, and we have seen that at Arsenal. Whether it is Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Gyokeres or whoever it starts from there.”

“The recovery work they do and the run they make to get back in position is great. The midfield has the right balance between aggression and running. The defenders as well of course, but again it is about balance and defending is a team effort.”

“As a manager I would be really pleased to have a team like this, and Mikel Arteta has done a fantastic job convincing everyone that this is the way.”

Senderos also had positive words for the Gunners’ defensive depth. In his view, the likes of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie can step in for an injured Gabriel Magalhaes, and the overall quality won’t drop.

“You have 25 players in the squad and Arsenal have signed well with intent to reinforce the squad. We have cover in every single position, and that gives you confidence.”

“Whether it is Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly or whoever, we have enough players with plenty of qualities who can play there. Timber and Ben White as well of course.”

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Gabriel is definitely one of the world’s best defenders

Senderos shared words of appreciation for Gabriel Magalhaes, calling him one of the world’s best defenders. He agreed that William Saliba gets more plaudits because he’s pacier, but that doesn’t mean Gabriel’s contributions go unnoticed.

“People who watch football and watch Arsenal appreciate Gabriel. He puts his body on the line and he is a quality defender. He is left footed which adds a lot to the team with the ball, and then he is a great leader.”

“He likes to defend and we can see that on the pitch. I don`t think he is under-appreciated, but of course Saliba with his pace probably stands out a bit more, but Gabriel is a fantastic defender. He is definitely one of the best.”

Saliba’s new contract

Saliba is one of Arsenal’s crown jewels and is considered to be one of the best defenders in the world. Due to that, links to Real Madrid keep cropping up, but the Frenchman put an end to any speculation by extending his contract with the Gunners earlier this year.

Senderos admitted his happiness at this move, and said that the Frenchman’s commitment is a sign of the confidence that he and other top players have in this Arsenal project.

“Of course, it will always be up in the air. I think Saliba has committed when signing a new contract and when you do that as a player, it is because you can see yourself building something with the club and the team.”

“That`s what we need. He has committed to Arsenal and renewing the contract with such a player gives confidence to the whole squad. If we are able to keep a player with such a talent it adds a lot of confidence, and I am sure the rest of the squad is pleased with that.”

“Arsenal have done really well convincing him to sign a new contract.”

Spurs will cause problems this Sunday

Arsenal return to Premier League action this Sunday, hosting Tottenham in the North London Derby. While the Gunners have been very consistent this season, Tottenham have blown hot and cold. Despite that, Senderos has warned his former side to be wary of Tottenham, as to him, they’re a better side under Thomas Frank.

“A derby game is always special. Spurs have a good squad, and I don’t think they are worse compared to other seasons. They have a good squad, good balance and will cause problems.”

“Thomas Frank is a great manager and he has proved it for a long time. Spurs are very much up and down but they can cause problems for any team on a good day.”

Read more as Philippe Senderos gives his thoughts on Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka