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’s protection has been rock strong this season — tighter than a goalkeeper’s gloves in winter.
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However as Mikel Arteta’s males put together for a difficult London derby at Craven Cottage, an outdated good friend may very well be plotting to spoil the social gathering.
The Gunners journey to aiming to increase a outstanding membership file.
They’ve gone six straight video games with out permitting 10 or extra photographs from an opponent — their longest such run since information started. Yet one more, they usually’ll stand alone within the historical past books.
For Arsenal, it’s not nearly clear sheets — it’s about management. The backline of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori has been in excellent sync, shutting down assaults earlier than they even begin.
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Throughout all competitions, Arteta’s aspect has conceded simply three objectives in ten matches. That’s the form of defensive stat that makes even probably the most attack-minded managers jealous.
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A well-known face may damage the rhythm for Arsenal
Alex Iwobi of Fulham
But when there’s one man who is aware of how one can break Arsenal’s rhythm, it’s Alex Iwobi.
The previous Hale Finish graduate — now carrying Fulham white — has quietly grow to be one of many Premier League’s most inventive attackers.
He’s made eight line-breaking passes into the penalty space this season, second solely to Bruno Fernandes.
And with fellow ex-Gunners Bernd Leno and Emile Smith Rowe additionally in Marco Silva’s lineup, Saturday’s conflict has a couple of storylines that would sting Arsenal hearts.
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Craven Cottage hasn’t been the happiest searching floor for the league leaders these days both — they’ve did not win there of their final two visits.
Nonetheless, Arteta’s males enter the fixture stuffed with perception. A win wouldn’t solely lengthen their defensive file but in addition put them 4 factors clear on the prime — no less than quickly — earlier than face on Sunday.
For a group chasing its first title because the days of the Invincibles, each match issues. However towards a aspect led by acquainted faces, this one carries a bit of additional emotion.
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