Arteta makes a statement on video showing Gabriel and Saliba ‘fight’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has commented on the altercation that happened between Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba on Saturday after Arsenal’s win over Leicester City.

The two centre-backs had a heated exchange of words after the full-time whistle, despite keeping a clean sheet in the match. However, Arteta has downplayed the incident and said that it was nothing more than two players being demanding of each other.

Speaking ahead of their Wednesday game against Everton, Arteta said as per journalist Chris Wheatley: “They are a happy marriage – they love playing with each other! But they are really demanding of each other, which is good. Everything is fine.”

The Gunners have been in impressive form since Arteta took over as manager in December 2019 and have been rewarded with a place at the top of the Premier League table after 24 games. The Spaniard will be hoping to extend their stay at the top with a win against Everton on Wednesday night.

Gabriel and Saliba have formed an impressive partnership at the back for Arsenal this season and have been instrumental in helping them keep clean sheets in recent matches. The altercation between them is unlikely to affect their relationship going forward as both players are highly competitive and want to perform to their best for Arsenal.

Arteta’s comments suggest that he is not concerned about the incident and believes that it was just two passionate players showing their commitment to the team. He will be hoping that this incident does not affect his team’s performance against Everton on Wednesday night as they look to extend their stay at the top of the Premier League table.