Arsene Wenger Questions Saliba, Gabriel After Arsenal Fall To Manchester United

Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger has raised concerns over the performances of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães after the Gunners suffered a 3-2 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

The former Arsenal manager felt the usually reliable centre-back pairing failed to impose themselves during the game, which ended in disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha sealed victory for United, handing Arsenal a setback in a match that exposed rare defensive uncertainty.

Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Wenger did not hold back in his assessment of Saliba and Gabriel, suggesting both defenders appeared unsettled.

“It is the first time I feel that the central defenders [Saliba and Gabriel] were a bit more nervous and less dominant than they usually are in games,” Wenger said.

He also pointed to a key moment leading to United’s opener, where he felt better decision-making was required.

“With the [first] Man United goal, Martin Zubimendi makes a mistake, but Saliba shouldn’t be going in front of him,” he said.

“He should give him support and stay behind him to have the possibility to defend the ball.”

Arsenal’s defeat sparked further debate, with former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves questioning Arteta’s tactical choices, particularly the decision to substitute captain Martin Odegaard while the team was chasing the game.

Arteta replaced Odegaard with Mikel Merino in the second half as Arsenal trailed 2-1, a move that left Hargreaves visibly surprised.

“I was surprised,” Hargreaves said on Premier League Productions.

“I love Eze, but Odegaard is the one to pick a pass because Man United were sitting deep.

“Eze isn’t that player; he’s a dribbler, and there was no space in the middle of the pitch.”

Attention now turns to Europe for the north London club, with Arsenal set to face Kairat in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as they look to respond quickly to domestic disappointment.