EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/BPI/Shutterstock (10357450a) Luton Town corner flag - general view Luton Town v Ipswich Town, EFL Carabao Cup, First Round, Football, Kenilworth Road, UK - 13 Aug 2019
Rob Edwards has heaped praise on William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of Luton’s clash with Arsenal, claiming the pair ‘tick pretty much every single box’ at centre-back.
Saliba and Gabriel have arguably been the two standout centre-halves in the Premier League this season, with Arsenal sitting second in the table and boasting the best defensive record in the top flight.
Erling Haaland cut a frustrated figure up front at the Etihad as Arsenal and Manchester City played out a goalless stalemate at the weekend and Saliba and Gabriel were widely credited with nullifying the threat posed by Pep Guardiola’s all-star attack.
The duo are expected to continue their run at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s defence on Wednesday night when Arsenal welcome Luton to the Emirates, looking to reclaim top spot back off Liverpool.
Victory would see Arsenal take a one-point lead over Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who host Premier League strugglers Sheffield United the following evening.
Asked what he has made of Saliba and Gabriel at his pre-match press conference, Luton manager Edwards – a former centre-half himself – told reporters: ‘I’ve been really impressed with them.
‘They’ve got everything, haven’t they? They’ve got physicality, speed, power, but they’re very well coached and obviously they understand the game.
